
LiOi 



Class _il2j 
Book'jSLSLaS^ 

Copyright N°_ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



31- ly-^ 



^2i 



Copyrighted, 1909, 

Father Eugene Sugranes 

Los Angeles. Cal. 



The Old 
San Gabriel Mission 



HISTORICAL NOTES TAKEN FROM OLD 
MANUSCRIPTS AND RECORDS ACCU- 
RATELY COMPILED AFTER DILIGENT 
RESEARCH BY 

REV. EUGENE SUGRANES, C. M. F. 




SAN GABRIEL, CALIFORNIA 
FEBRUARY SECOND 

1909 






Prelo mandari potest. 

Martinus Alsina 

Generalis Moderator. 

Missione Sancti Gabrielis Archangel!, VII Kalendas Junii, anni 

MCMIX. 



Nihil obstat. 



M. V. Richardson, C. M. 

Censor Deputatii^ 



Imprimatur. 

Thomas Jacobus 

Episcopus Montereyensis et Angelorum. 
Civitate Angelorum, VI Idus Novembris, anni MCMIX. 



/h'MW 



©Cl.A:^53:ja4 



I 


Chapter 


II 


Chapter 


III 


Chapter 


IV 


Chapter 


V 


Chapter 


VI 


Chapter 


VII 


Chapter 


VIII 


Chapter 



IX Chapter 



X 

XI 



Chapter 
Chapter 



XII Chapter 



XIII 


Chapter 


XIV 


Chapter 


XV 


Chapter 


XVI 


Chapter 


XVII 


Chapter 


XVIII 


Chapter 


XIX 


Chapter 


XX 


Chapter 


XXI 


Chapter 


XXII 


Chapter 


XXIII 


Chapter 



CONTENTS 

Page 
The First Missions — those in Lower California, 1697- 

1768 13 

Early Life of the Apostle of Alta (Ahl-tah), California, 

1713-1769 : 15 

Fr. Junipero Serra's First Work in Upper California, 

1769-1771 19 

Preliminaries to the Founding of San Gabriel Mission, 

1770-1771 23 

San Gabriel Mission Founded, 1771-1772 25 

Why Growth Was Slow in the Early Period of the 

Existence of San Gabriel Mission, 1771-1778 29 

Fr. Junipero Serra in San Gabriel, 1772-1778 31 

Confirmation Administered in San Gabriel by Fr. Juni- 
pero Serra, 1778-1784 35 

San Gabriel 's Eole in the Founding of the Great Metrop- 
olis of the Southwest,. 1781 37 

Briefs from the Pioneer Fathers, 1771-1782 39 

Biographical Sketch of the Lives of Founders and Most 

Prominent Fathers of the San Gabriel Mission 43 

Period of Growth and Prosperity in San Gabriel Mission 

(The Franciscan Fathers) 47 

The Franciscan Fathers, Continued 53 

The Franciscan Fathers, Continued 59 

The Graves of Our Fathers — Franciscans Interred in San 

Gabriel 65 

Miscellaneous Data 69 

Gloomy Days in San Gabriel Mission 75 

San Gabriel, a Military Post 79 

Late Growth and Restoration 81 

The Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in San 

Gabriel 85 

The Art, Antiquity and Architecture of San Gabriel 

Mission 87 

The Art, Antiquity and Architecture of San Gabriel 

Mission (Concluded) 93 

San Gabriel in the Twentieth Century 97 



To THE ELOQUENT SPEAKER, 
UNTIRING WORKER AND 
ARDENT CHURCHMAN, 
MY BELOVED BISHOP, THE 
RIGHT REV. THOMAS J. CONATY, 
D. D., WHO HAS DONE SO MUCH 
TOWARD THE PRESERVATION 
AND THE RESTORATION OF THE 
OLD MISSIONS, THIS L I T T L'E 
WORK IS RESPECTFULLY AND 
REVERENTLY DEDICATED. 



'mt 



■1 1 - -»■ * V" 



i 



«^ 




\. 



_«ff>>- 



Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Conaty, D. D., Bishop of 
Monterey and Los Angeles. 



INTRODUCTION 

THIS book, I believe, constitutes the most elaborate and com- 
plete history of the Mission San Gabriel that has yet appeared 
in print in a single volume. It is compiled from the mission 
records handed down by the Franciscans who built it and held posses- 
sion of it until secularization and after. The facts herein set forth 
may, therefore, be relied on as being absolutely accurate. 

The work of compiling and arranging and writing this work 
was done by a hand well worthy the task. Fr. Eugene Sugranes is 
eminently fitted by education, training and experience to be the 
historian of San Gabriel. Moreover, his whole nature and his sacred 
profession of the missionary priesthood and his nationality makes 
him a sure interpreter of mission history and tradition. 

We may all rejoice that, after the wreck and ruin of the cen- 
turies, the Mission San Gabriel is still intact and in charge of those 
who are of the same blood and religion as the brown-robed Fran- 
ciscans who founded and erected San Gabriel — those splendid men 
of the past who came to California vvnth the immortal Junipero Serra 
to convert the savage from heathenism to the faith of Christ, and to 
make the desert blossom as the rose. 



cL.j.h^^ 




LOS ANGELES 

NOVEMBER 20, 1909 



Forevc^ord 

It was on February 9, 1909, under the venerable walls of the 
old San Gabriel Mission, that an imposing ceremony took place. 

The illustrious Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Im- 
maculate Heart of Mary was formally installed, whereupon it took 
possession of this most sacred spot. 

Since the time of the pioneer Franciscan Fathers there has 
never been witnessed a more imposing and a more touching scene 
than this. The Right Rev. Thomas J. Conaty, D. D., Bishop of the 
Diocese of Monterey and Los Angeles, in his indomitable zeal for 
the upbuilding of the Church in Southern California, knowing well 
their work and the missionary spirit vrherewith the Sons of the 
Immaculate Heart of Mar}^ are gifted, had the happy inspiration 
of placing one of the most valuable gems of his vast Diocese under 
their guardianship. 

How well these Missionary Fathers have brought to realization 
the high ideals and the hopes of His Lordship is witnessed by the 
work accomplished. 

At first the attention was given to the inside of this historic 
landmark of faith, the San Gabriel Mission Church. Then followed 
the consideration of a much needed new chapel for the more effec- 
tual accomplishment of the parochial duties. 

These buildings, as well as the museum, the Fathers' new resi- 
dence, etc., are to be finished in strict mission style. All the build- 
ings and grounds will be arranged and laid out according to one 
great plan. In connection with all these improvements, there was 
but one thing wanting. This was a manual, brief, concise and pictur- 
esque, which would set forth the most interesting and worthy details 
of the San Gabriel Mission. 

Since such a work would furnish valuable and accurate infor- 
mation to the legitimate curiosity of the tourist and edifying in- 
struction to all lovers of our ancient glories, this need of satisfying 
the longing of a great many enthusiastic admirers and of helping 
the great patriotic work of restoration of the mission is the only 
apology for bringing forth this modest work. 

What a debt of gratitude we owe to those sturdy pioneer 



FOREWORD 

Fathers who scattered the first seeds of Christian civilization on 
this fertile soil ! 

We are not without feeling that this little Avork, in spite of our 
efforts to make it accurate and pleasing, will be found faulty in 
many places and in others not corresponding to the magnitude of 
its object. 

However, should our feeble efforts, made under the restraint 
of limited energies and incomplete sources of information, help to 
make this work more efficient as well as to satisfy the worthy 
curiosity of the tourist, our sacrifices will be amply rewarded. 

Would to God that this sacred spot, the old San Gabriel Mis- 
sion, may in the near future be fully restored to its pristine moral 
and temporal grandeur and prosperity — thus becoming again, as 
ever was, the pride of her sisters. 

Although with many misgivings as to the results, it has afforded 
us great pleasure to compile this work. 

The author wishes to acknowledge the aid rendered by the 
various departments of the Los Angeles Public Library and the 
fatherly offices tendered by the Very Rev. Raymond Pratt, C. M. F., 
Provincial Superior* of this California Province; the encourage- 
ment given by the Rev. Felix Zumarraga, C. M. F., Superior of the 
Mission,** and by the Rev. Eustace Flamenco, C. M. F., the Admin- 
istrator of the Mission. 

The author is especially grateful to Father Andres Cervera, 
C. M. F., the Curator of the Museum, for his archeologieal sugges- 
tions and valuable assistance in perusing the documents, old books 
and manuscripts found in the archives of the mission. 

On this date, February 9, 1909, the first anniversary of the in- 
stallation of the missionaries in the old San Gabriel Mission, we 
offer to the public these souvenir historical notes. 



*0n April 19, 1909, Very Eev. Father Felix A. Cepeda, C. M. F., was elected 
Provincial Superior. Very Eev. Kaymond Pratt, C. M. F., having finished his 
term of office, was then appointed Superior of the Missionary Sons of the Im- 
maculate Heart of Mary in San Antonio, Texas, thus becoming Rector of the 
old historic San Fernando Cathedral of the same city. 

**0n the occasion of the celebration of the last Provincial Chapter the 
Eev. Father Felix Zumarraga, C. M. F.. was transferred to Mexico and the 
Eev. A. Resa, C. M. F., the former Rector of San Marcos, Texas, became Pastor 
at San Gabriel. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Page. 

Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Conaty, D. D 7 

San Gabriel, Campanile 12 

Ft. Junipero Serra, O. S. F 16 

Old Mission House 20 

Southwest Main Entrance 22 

Stairway leading to the Choir Gallery 26 

Northeast View of the Mission 27 

General View of the Mission 28 

Outside View of the Old Mission Church and New Restored Chapel 32 

Exterior Old Mission Kitchen 34 

Old Crucifix and Choir Gallery 42 

Baptistry and Baptismal Font made of Hammered Copper 46 

Mission Vestry 52 

San Gabriel Mission Church — Main Altar .56 

San Gabriel Churchyard 62 

Back View of Old Mission, New Restored Chapel and Fathers Handsome 

Residence 74 

New Restored Chapel 78 

Venerable Anthony Mary Claret 84 

Interesting Room of the Mission Museum 88 

Old Mission Doors 91 

Old San Gabriel Ovens 92 

The Angelua Bell 94 

Fathers ' New Residence 98 

Facsimile of Father Junipero Serra 's Handwriting 105 




SAN GABRIEL CAMPANILE. 

This Belfry — the Franciscans' Most Typical Building Feature — Is a True and 

Perennial Fount of Inspiration Wherefrom Streams of Melody and 

Sweetness Have Ever Flowed. 




The First Missions — those in 

Lower California, 

1697^1768 

I E cannot attempt to make this historical sketch and 
outline without paying a tribute of admiration to 
the self-sacrificing missionaries, the illustrious sons 
of the great patriarch, Ignatius De Loyola (Day- 
loh-yo-lah). 

These missionaries under the leadership of 
Father John Salvatierra, S. J., (Sahl-vah-tieay- 
rrah) were the first faithful laborers in evangeliz- 
ing Lower California. 
We know that from the time of the most wonderful and immor- 
tal conquest of the kingdom of New Spain, Mexico, by Hernan 
Cortes (Air-nahng Kohr-tays) until these missionaries began their 
work many attempts had been made to christianize the inhabitants 
of California, yet none of them was crowned with success. 

The providential man who was precursor to the greater con- 
quests to be made by the Jesuit Fathers was Father Eusebio Kuhno 
(Ayoo-say-beeoh Koo-noh), or Kuehn, or better Kino (Kee-noh), 
thus named by Vanegas in Noticia de la California. This man, 
whose heart was modeled after that, of Saint Francis Xavier, fol- 
lowed in the steps of the great Apostle of the Oriental Indies. 

Many difficulties beset his expedition of 1685. Despite dis- 
couragement at the failure of this expedition, the most interested 
and confident in the future success of the work was the Rev. Father 
Kuhno. a man of high culture, great natural ability and a profound 
sense of religion. Father Kuhno was remarkable for his piety, his 
zeal and indefatigable exertions on behalf of religion of which he 
eventually gave such remarkable proofs, as well as for his talent 
and natural endowments.* 

Twelve years later, 1697, the entire, country was entrusted to 
the Jesuit Fathers, who toiled faithfully in the inhospitable fields 
of Lower California until 1768, when they were driven away by 
the storm of persecution. 

Although the prime mover and the principal agent in bringing 
about the conversion of the people. Father Kuhno was not the imme- 
diate instrument in the hands of God for this purpose. 

During the course of his travels, he was met by Eev. Father 
John Maria (Mah-ree-ah) Salvatierra. a man of like zeal and ability, 
of much experience in missionary life. Father John Salvatierra 
was then engaged as the visitor of the missions in Sinaloa (See-nah- 
loh-ah) and Sonora (Soh-noh-rah). One who knew him describes 
him thus: "He was of a strong, robust constitution, bearing 



'^W. Gleason, History of the Catholic Church in California. 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

fatigue and hardship without affecting his health, judgment and 
prudence. His judgment and prudence had commanded the unani- 
mous approbation of the Society for the high positions he had en- 
joyed. He was of the most endearing gentleness in discourse, had 
all the intrepidity and resolution requisite for beginning and con- 
ducting the greatest enterprises. The opinion of his wisdom and 
intellectual talent had gained for him universal esteem, which was 
heightened to veneration by his christian virtues."* 

The difficulties having been removed, Father John Salvatierra 
started from Hiaqui (Ee-ah-kee) on October 10. 1697. with five sol- 
diers, a corporal and three Indians. During the voyage some other 
Indians joined the crew. After a long, tedious journey, they finally 
landed at St. Denis Bay in Lower California on Saturday, October 
19, 1697. They were welcomed by fifty Indians, who fell upon their 
knees and kissed the images of Our Lord Jesus Christ and His 
Blessed Mother. 

On October 25, 1697. possession was taken in the name of His 
Majesty, the King of Spain, Philip V. Father Salvatierra sent then 
for Father Picolo (Pee-koh-loh), soldiers and provisions. 

It is not difficult to conjecture the trials and sufferings these 
first self-sacrificing missionaries endured during the first years of 
their apostolate and while they made their excursions to the inte- 
rior, before the St. Xavier ^Mission vras founded.* 

Father John Salvatierra. the Apostle of Baja (Bah-hah) Cali- 
fornia, full of merits and well purified by the crucial test of a long 
sickness, passed to his reward on Saturday. July 17. 1717. 

The work thus happily begun and faithfully continued, was 
forwarded as different missions were founded until the scourge of 
persecution drove these faithful laborers from their field. "On the 
3d of February, 1768. Vv^ere lost to California the presence and the 
labors of that noble and devoted body of men who. during the com- 
paratively short period of their missionary career, had converted 
the whole Lower California from Cape San Lucas (Loo-kahs) to the 
mouth of the Colorado (Koh-lo-rah-doh)."* 

During the sixty years that the Jesuits labored in California 
they founded eighteen missions, of which only fourteen existed in 
1767. When they were exiled from California, the missions were 
left in charge of military officers called coraisionados (koh-mee-see- 
oh-nah-dohsj who for a year mismanaged the temporalities, regard- 
less of the rights of the Indians. 

Over fifty-six members of the Society of Jesus were sent to the 
peninsula to work among the indolent Indians of the sterile and 
arid soil of the Baja California. Of these faithful laborers and 
zealous missionaries, sixteen, two as martyrs, died at their posts. 



*W. Gleason, History of the Catholic Church in California. 

*Fr. Juan de Ugarte, who managed the Pious Fund in Mexico and acted as 
procurator for the missionaries, resigned the Procuratorship and came to Cali- 
fornia in 1700. (Lower or Vieja (Vee-ay-hah) Calif.) 

*W. Gleason, History of the Catholic Church in California. 

Page Fourteea 



CHAPTER II 

Early Life of the Apostle of Alta (Ahl-tah) 
California, 1713-1769 

Our humble work would certainly be incomplete without prefac- 
ing it with a brief biographical sketch of the Apostle of Alta Cali- 
fornia. 

The names and remembrances of all the mission^ of Upper Cali- 
fornia go hand in hand with those of Father Junipero (Hoo-nee-pay- 
roh) Serra (Say-rrah), 0. F. M. This Apostle was born on Novem- 
ber 24, 1713, in the village of Petra (Pay-trah) in the Island of 
Mallorca (Mahl-lyohrr-kah). Spain. His parents, Antonio (Ahng- 
toh-nie-oh) Serra and Margarita Ferrer (Fay-rrayrr), belonged to 
that modest class of people known as farmers. The name given him 
when he was christened on November 25, 1713, was Miguel (Mee- 
gayll) Jose (Hoh-say). He received confirmation on May 26, 1715, 
in the same parish church in which he was baptized. From his early 
days, he freciuented the abode of the Franciscan Fathers who had a 
convent in his native town. The pious and christian parents of 
Serra, understanding the talent and knowing the vocation of their 
child, sent him to Palma (Pahl-mah), capital of the Kingdom of 
Mallorca, in order that he might receive the necessary education. 
On September 14, 1730, he entered the novitiate of the Franciscan 
Fathers, which he passed with extraordinary fervor and profit to 
himself. Having finished the year of probation, he made his pro- 
fession in the convent of Jesus (Hay-soos) on September 15, 1731. 
On this occasion he took the name of Junipero on account of the 
devotion he always professed to Junipero, the saintly companion of 
St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order. His pro- 
ficiency in his studies was evidenced by the degrees of Lector and 
Doctor which were conferred upon him. From the midst of the 
applauses and triumphs of chair and pulpit, God called Father Serra 
to leave his parents, his brethren, his acquaintances and the country 
to be an Apostle to the Gentiles and to bring light to illumine those 
poor Indians who were sitting in the shadows and the darkness of 
paganism. 

On August 28, 1749, Father Junipero Serra sailed from Cadiz 
(Kah-deeth), Spain, en route for America. The crossing from Cadiz 
to Vera Cruz (Vay-rah Krooth), Mexico, required ninety-nine days. 
The long, tiresome journey, together with a lack of the conveniences 
of modern times, afforded our Apostle a great many occasions for 
the exercise of patience, long endurance and manifestation of great 
zeal. The voyagers, after having witnessed many storms and hav- 
ing passed many dangers, encountered the severest one in the Gulf 
of Mexico. Having survived this hurricane which threatened their 

Page Fifteen 





Courtesies of Father Engelhardt 

FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA. O. S. F., PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF 

THE MISSIONS OF UPPER CALIFORNIA. 

"His life was gentle; and the elements so mixt In him that nature might stand 

up and say to all the world: This is a man." — Shakespeare. 









MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

lives, the company safely landed at \^era Cruz, Mexico, on December 
7, 1749. Then came the long, tiresome journey on foot from the 
coast to the capital of Mexico. 

On January 1, 1750, Father Juuipero Serra entered the Apostolic 
College of San Fernando (Sahng Fayrr-nahng-doh), Mexico. When 
his superiors called for volunteers to evangelize the heathen Indians 
in Sierra Gorda (Sieay-rrah Gohrr-dah), Father Junipero offered 
himself for this work. It v^^as while working among the heathen 
as v\^ell as among the christians at this place, that Father Junipero 
Serra exercised his most valuable talents and energies, thus prepar- 
ing himself for greater conquests. 

After the Jesuit Fathers were exiled from Lower California on 
June 25, 1767, the most excellent Lord Viceroy Marquis de Croix 
offered to San Fernando College, Mexico, the care of the missions of 
California. Accepting the offer, the San Fernando College, during 
the absence of Father Junipero Serra (he being engaged in his evan- 
gelical work) elected him president of this field. The guardian, 
Father Jose Garcia (Gahrr-thieah), therefore bade him to return to 
the college on July 12, 1767. After returning and submitting his 
report, he was commissioned to enter upon his duties as president. 
The prelate blessed them saying: "Go, Fathers, and dearly beloved 
brethren, with the blessing of God and of Our Holy Father, St. 
Francis, to labor in the mysterious vineyard of California which 
our Catholic Sovereign has confided to our care. Go with confidence 
along with your superior the Father Lector Junipero, whom I 
appoint president of you all and of all the missions. I need not 
say anything more than that you should obey him as you obey me ; 
and novv' farewell and may God be with you." 

Accordingly on July 14, 1767, in company with nine mission- 
aries. Father Serra left the college for the nevv field of labor. To 
this number there were added nine from Sierra Gorda and two more 
from San Fernando College, who reached Tepic (Tay-peek) on De- 
cember 31, 1767. On March 12, 1768, they left the mainland of 
Mexico, crossed the Gulf and arrived at Loreto (Loh-ray-toh) Mis- 
-ion on April 1, 1768. Upon arrival Father Junipero Serra distrib- 
uted the missionaries among the various missions already founded 
by the Jesuit Fathers, he himself remaining in the Mission of Our 
Lady of Loreto. 

On October 31, 1768, it was decided to found three missions in 
Upper California. These missions were to be established, one in San 
Diego (Sahng Dieay-goh), another in Monterey (Mohng-tay-rray-ee) 
and the third was to be dedicated to San Buenaventura (Sahng 
Booay-nah-vayng-too-rah). Then Father Junipero Serra appointed 
Father Palou (Pah-loh-oo) superior of the Lower California missions. 
Immediately four expeditions were planned, two by sea and the 
other two by land ; the latter Father Junipero personally conducted. 

That the reader may have a more thoroughly comprehensive idea 
of this historical outline it is well to mention that the conquest of 

Page Seventeen 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Upper California was undertaken under the sovereignty of Charles 
III, King of Spain; Viceroy of the Kingdom of New Spain, Mexico, 
Carlos Francisco Croix; General Visitor of the Kingdom, the most 
Excellent Lord Jose de Galvez (Gahl-vayth) ; Guardian of the Col- 
lege of San Fernando, Father Juan Andres (Hoo-ahng Ahng-clrays) ; 
First Commander of the second land expedition and Governor of 
California, Gaspar de Portola (Gahs-pahrr day Pohr-toh-lah) ; Cap- 
tain of Dragoons and Second Commander, Don Fernando Rivera 
Moncada (Rree-vay-rah Mohng-kah-dah), Captain of the Presidio. 
The expedition started from Loreto vrith Father Serra, on jMardi 
28, 1769, and traveled towards San Diego and Monterey. 

We must now leave our hero on his journey to the land of sun- 
shine and fioAvers, until we see him again engaged in the Apostolic 
work of founding and visiting the missions of Upper California. 



Page Eighteen 



CHAPTER III 

Father Junipero Serra's First Work in 
Upper California, 1769-1771 

That our kind, indulgent reader may have a thorough under- 
standing of this Pilgrims' Shrine, the San Gabriel Mission (Sahng 
Gah-brie-ayll), it is well to take a glance at the three missions, estab- 
lished just prior to the founding of the San Gabriel Mission. 

First of all was the San Diego Mission, founded on July 16, 
1769. This is a memorable day to the Sons of the Iberie Peninsula 
because it is the one on which they celebrate the anniversary of the 
triumph of the cross over the Moorish crescent, on July 16, 1212. 
Moreover, the Catholic Universal Church on that day commemorates 
the glories of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Most appropriately, there- 
fore, on that day, the cross was first planted on this blessed para- 
dise, the land of heart's desire, under the protection of the 
Mother of God. Father Junipero Serra, having sung the Mass, 
blessed the cross. Then the hymn, Veni Creator (Vay-nee Cray-ah- 
tohrr), was intoned, and the other ceremonies usually observed at 
the founding of the missions vv^ere held, dedicating the mission to 
San Diego de Alcala (Ahl-kah-lah). Oh, what beautiful scenes were 
witnessed as the Indians approached and were kindly received by 
the Fathers, and were converted to the faith of Our Lord Jesus 
Christ ! It is quite interesting to note that the Indians at San Diego, 
when the Fathers first landed there, would not receive any food, as 
Father Palou candidly says in his ''Vida del Yen. Padre Junipero 
Serra." "If perchance any Father should put a piece of candy into 
the mouth of an Indian, he would then spit it out as though it were 
poison." The sickness that spread among the members of the first 
expedition was attributed by the Indians to their victuals, thus they 
remained confirmed in their superstition. ''This was a special provi- 
dence of God." proceeds Father Palou, "because, had the Indians 
accepted the food offered them, the whole expedition would soon 
have been stripped of supplies and rendered helpless." 

The second mission founded in Upper California Vv^as the San 
Carlos Mission in Monterey. No one can'better describe it than the 
Ven. Father Junipero Serra does in his letter to Father Palou : 

"My Dear Friend: On May 31st, after a tedious and perilous 
voyage of a month and a half, the packet boat, San Antonio, com- 
manded by Captain Don Juan Penpz (Dohng Hoo-ahng Pay-rayth), 
anchored in the bay of Monterey, unchanged since the expedition of 
Don Sebastian Vizcaino (Dohng Say-bahs-tieahng Veeth-kah-ee-noh) 
in the year 1603. Our joy increased still more when, on fhe great 
feast of Pentecost, June 3d, close by the same shore and under the 
same oak tree where the Fathers of Vizcaino's expedition had cele- 

Page Nineteen 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

l>rat.ed, we built u.i altar, and a bell having been rung and the hymn 
Veni Creator in ton ''■1, we erected and consecrated a large cross and 
unfurled the royal standard, after which I sang the first Mass which 
is known to have oeen sung at this point since 160:.-i. I preached 
during the Mass and at its conclusion we sang the Salve Regina 
before a lovely image of Our Blessed Lady. Our celebration ter- 
minated wnth the singing of the Te Deum, after which the officers 
took possession of the land in the name of the King of Spain. Dur- 
ing the celebration a salute of many cannons was fired from the 
ship. To God alone be honor and glory! 

"Mission of San Carlos, Monterey, June 13th, Feast of St. An- 
thony of Padua, 1770. "* 

The heart of Father Junipero Serra was burning with zeal for 
the salvation of souls and thus he was anxious to accomplish the 
establishing of the third mission. Therefore he took with him two 
missionaries and a necessary guard of soldiers and provisions. They 
proceeded southward from San Carlos Mission till they reached the 
])eautiful spot which, being thickly covered with oak trees, was called 
Los Robles (Lohs Roh-blays). This was the place selected for the 
mission which they called San Antonio. The expedition ended, the 
mules were unloaded and the bell was hung from a limb of an oak 
tree. Then Father Junipero Serra. seizing the rope, began ringing 
the bell and at the same time shouting in strains of enthusiasm, "0 
Indians, come, come ! Come to the Holy Church, come, come to 
receive the faith of Jesus Christ." The site of the church was 
chosen and a large cross was made, and both were blessed. On 
July 14, 1771, Father Junipero Serra celebrated the first Mass in 
honor of St. Anthony, the patron of the mission. When, after the 
first gospel, he turned to preach, he discovered an Indian among his 
number whom after Mass he called and treated with the greatest 
kindness and warmest welcome. This Indian was the instrument 
for bringing others to the mission. At once Father Junipero Serra 
gave orders to build the church, the Fathers' residence and the gar- 
rison for the soldiers. While the Indians showed at first such a 
mistrust in accepting any food, yet they were extremely fond of 
clothing and trinkets; so much so that many times they gave 
trouble to the Fathers by stealing these, as it often happened in San 
Diego. 



*Palou — Virla riel V. P. Junipero Serra. 



Page Twenty -one 




SOUTHWEST MAIN ENTRANCE. 

In This Beautiful Section of the IVIission Church the Conquering Spaniard Showed 
in an Eminent Degree His Peerless Artistic Taste. 



CHAPTER IV 

Preliminaries to the Founding of San 
Gabriel Mission, 1770-1771 

At the request of Father Junipero Serra in his letter to the 
Viceroy, Marquis de la Croix, thirty missionaries were sent front 
San Fernando College, Mexico, to California. The packet boat, 
San Carlos, took twenty Fathers to Loreto, Lower California, whilst 
the San Antonio was to bring ten to Monterey, Upper California. 
The names of the Fathers sent to Monterey were : Antonio Paterna 
(Ahng-toh-nieoh Pah-tayr-nah), Buenaventura Sitjar (Booay-nah- 
vayng-too-rah Seet-jahr), Luis Jaime or Jaume (Loo-ees Hah-ee-may 
or Jah-oo-may), Miguel Pieras (Mee-gayl Pee-ay-rahs), Pedro Benito 
Cambon (Paydroh Bey-nee-toh Kahm-bohng), Domingo Juneosa 
(Doh-meeng-goh Hoong-koh-sah), Francisco Dumetz (Frahng-cees- 
koh Doo-mayts), Jose Cavalier (Hoh-say Kah-vahl-lyayr), Angel 
Somera (Ahng-hayl Soh-may-rah), Antonio Crnzado (Ahng-toh-nee- 
oh Croo-thah-doh). These Fathers left Mexico in October, 1770, 
yet they sailed for California on January 2, 1771. The cause of the 
delay was their stopping on account of sickness at Tepic. 

The ten Fathers intended for Upper California arrived at San 
Diego on March 12, 1771, after fifty-two days of tiresome voyage. 
The captain having left part of the freight at this place, they re- 
embarked on April ]4, 1771, and arrived in Monterey on May 21, 
1771, where they were to receive instructions from their Superior, 
Father Junipero Serra. 

Here the heart of the Apostle vras enlarged and filled with joy 
at the sight of so many new and valiant missionaries. The great 
festival of Corpus Christi (Koahr-poos) which this year fell on St. 
Ferdinand's day. May 30, 1771, was celebrated with unusual sol- 
emnity. They had a solemn high Mass with deacon and sub-deacon, 
sermon and procession with twelve priests. 

The two Fathers in charge of the San Diego Mission, on account 
of sickness, retired to Lower California. In their stead, there were 
appointed the Reverend Fathers Francisco Dumetz and Luis Jaime. 
The Fathers Antonio Paterna and Antonio Cruzado, were intended 
for the San Buenaventura Mission, not yet founded. For the found- 
ing of the San Gabriel Mission, the Reverend Fathers Angel Somera 
and Pedro Benito Cambon were selected. 

On July 7, 1771, the six Fathers for the southern missions sailed 
from Monterey to San Diego in the packet boat, San Antonio, under 
the protection of Pedro Fages (Pay-droh Fah-hays), lieutenant, re- 
cently promoted to captain on the occasion of the retirement of the 
captain, Fernando Rivera. After eight days, they safely arrived at 
San Diego on July 14, 1771. They found the Fathers here without 

Page Twenty -three 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

special iieAvs. Those destined to administer at San Diego at once 
took possession of that mission and, availing themselves of their 
leave, the sick ones embarked in the packet boat, San Antonio, which 
left on July 21, 1771, for San Bias (Sahng Blahs). The other 
Fathers, as soon as the packet boat left, began to arrange affairs for 
the founding of the new missions. On account of the desertion of 
ten soldiers, when they were prepared to start out for the founding 
of the San Gabriel Mission, this had to be postponed until a later 
date. One of the Fathers persuaded the deserters to return to their 
duty and consequently the date of the founding of the San Gabriel 
jMission was determined upon, August 6, 1771. Although some sol- 
diers again deserted, it was determined by the captain that the 
founding of San Gabriel Mission should be carried out on the ap- 
pointed day, leaving the founding of San Buenaventura for a later 
date and a more favorable opportunity. 

The other Fathers of the expedition which left Mexico in Octo- 
ber. 1770, stayed in Monterey with Father Junipero Serra who, by 
appointment, distributed them thus: For the San Antonio de Padua 
Mission he appointed the Reverend Fathers Miguel Pieras and 
Buenaventura Sitjar; for the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (Sahng 
Loo-ees Oh-bees-poh day Toh-loh-sah), not yet founded, he named 
the Reverend Fathers Jose Cavalier and Domingo Juncosa; and 
for Monterey, he designated his companion and disciple. Father 
Juan Crespi (Hoo-ahng Crays-pee). 

It will thus be noted that those providential men, chosen to 
found the San Gabriel Mission, were left at San Diego preparing 
to enter further upon tlieir work as given in the next chapter. 



Page Twenty -four 



CHAPTER V 

San Gabriel Mission Founded, 
1771-1772 

On August 6, 1771, the Reverend Fathers l^edro, Benito, Cani- 
l>on and Angel Fernandez de hi Soniera. protected by a guard 
of ten soldiers and accompanied by a competent number of 
drivers, left San Diego. They journeyed northward and after 
having traveled forty leagues, came to the river San Miguel 
de los Temblores, afterwards called the San Gabriel river. It 
had been determined to found the mission somewhere in the neigh- 
borhood of the banks of the lovely river, Santa Ana (Sahng- 
tah Ah-nah). When they were consulting as to what place to select 
for the mission, a crowd of Indians, headed by two chiefs, sur- 
rounded them shouting and threatening to impede further steps in 
the work, whereupon one of the Fathers had the happy inspiration 
to unfurl a painting of Our Lady of Sorrows. When the Indians 
first saw the image of the Blessed Virgin they dropped their weapons 
and fell upon their knees before the image of the Mother of God. 
They called upon their companions and all began bringing to the 
image of the Blessed Virgin, various gifts of beads, shells, flowers, 
etc. The action of placing their jewels at the feet of the priest hold- 
ing the painting of the Madonna, signified the peace they offered to 
the missionaries. Thus assured of safety, the Indians about the place 
became friendly and often greatly aided the Fathers in bringing 
food and in protecting the mission from attacks from abroad. 

The site having been determined npon, the mission was founded 
with the usual ceremonies, the blessing and erecting of the cross 
with the singing of the hymns of the Sacred Liturgy. In the pass 
of Bartolo (Bahr-toh-loh). beneath the boughs of the trees on the 
banks of the river Temblores. the first Mass was celebrated on the 
feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. September 8. 1771. The 
Fathers at once gave orders to begin building a temporary chapel, a 
residence, and a garrison for the soldiers. This preliminary work 
was in the form of palisades. In this work the Indians as far as 
possible were employed in cutting the timber and transporting it to 
the mission site. 

In the midst of this happy prosperity a sad accident occurred 
which came near destroying the good work accomplished. A sol- 
dier offended the wife of an Indian chief. The wronged woman 
persuaded her husband to avenge the insult and consequently the 
chief summoned his companions and vv'aited for an opportunity. 
This opportunity came one day when the guilty man and his asso- 
ciates were guarding the horses. The Indians attacking with arrows 
were repulsed by the superior arms of the soldiers. In this attack, 
the unfortunate chief was killed by the offending soldier, where- 
upon the Indians dispersed. In order to avoid any further trouble. 

Page Twenty -five 




STAIRWAY LEADING TO THE CHOIR GALLERY. 

Upon Ascending These Worn-out Steps So Often Trodden by the Old Padres. 

Those Words of Holy Writ Come to the IVIind: "How Beautiful Are the 

Feet of Them That Preach the Gospel of Peace of Them That 

Bring Glad Tidings of Good Things. 




NORTHEAST VIEW OF THE MISSION SHOWING 
Old Entrance to the Graveyard, Mission-Tower Ruins, and Exterior of the 
Baptistry. These Gloomy Doors Witnessed Myriads of Indians — the Mission's 
Dearest Treasure — Going to Their Final Rest. 

the guilty soldier was transferred to Monterey, and for greater 
security the number of the troop was increased to sixteen. The 
soldiers intended for the San Buenaventura Mission, not yet 
founded, made up this increase. At the same time the number of 
the Fathers w'as increased to four, since the tw^o intended for the 
San Buenaventura Mission were sent here as assistants. These two 
assistants soon became the regular Fathers in charge, the founders. 
Fathers Cambon and Somera having been removed to Lower Cali- 
fornia on account of sickness. 

It is interesting to note that the first child brought to the mis- 
sion to be baptized was the son of the unfortunate chief. The bap- 
tism was conferred on the child by request of the bereaved wndow-. 
During the following two years the number of baptisms increased 
to seventy-three. By the time of the death of Father Jnnipero Serra 
the number of baptisms had reached over one thousand. Such is 
the statement made by Father Palou, who visited the mission two 
years after its foundation. 

As above suggested, the spiritual work in the mission, far from 
being as prosperous as its beginning promised, slowly improved 
under the continued kindness and benevolence of the Fathers, which 
removed to a large degree the prejudice that had been formed. In 
the next chapter we shall set forth the causes for this slow growth. 



Page Twenty-seven 



CHAPTER VI 

Why Growth ^vas Slo\x^,in the Early Period 

of the Existence of the San Gabriel 

Mission, 1771-1778 

Perhapss it will seem strange, especially to the casual observer, 
Lliat the progress of the Sau Gabriel Mission during the critical 
period of its infancy was comparatively slow. Yet we should not 
lose sight of the fact that into all the undertakings for the honor 
and glory of God, the human element must needs enter. In this 
is especially manifested the wisdom and providence of God. God 
works His wonders through natural agencies ; even our salvation, 
the most wonderful of His providences, was wrought through human 
instrumentality. Likewise he employs our failures for his successes 
and even our sins ofttimes become the occasion for His more glorious 
manifestation. 

Turning our attention to the various causes for the lack of 
rapid growth of this early mission, the first and perhaps the most 
lamentable was the reprehensible conduct of the soldier related 
above. This at once created a strong animosity in the hearts of the 
savages towards the missionaries. The Indians conceived the idea 
that rapine wasi the primary purpose of the mission's existence, 
rather than a kindly helpfulness to a better life. Sad indeed is it 
to know that not only upon this one occasion did the soldiers behave 
themselves unseemly, but in spite of the earnest admonitions of the 
Fathers to the contrary, they repeatedl}^ brought shame upon the 
holy enterprise. 

Another cause was the great difficulty experienced in learning 
the language and special dialect of the Indians. It is not rare to 
hear the missionaries complain of this hindrance. Each tribe spoke 
a different dialect and though a missionary might master one, yet 
in the immediate neighborhood another would be found quite dif- 
ferent. The letters of the first missionaries to California tell of the 
laborious and tedious way in which they had to learn the different 
languages from the Indians and it is not a pleasant task for a 
missionary to express in writing the strange sounds he hears. 

The language spoken by the San Gabriel IMission Indians was 
the Kizh. The Lord's Prayer in the Kizh dialect is as follows: 
Yyonak y yogin tucupugnaisa sujucoy motuanian masarmi magin 
tucupra maimano muisme milleosar y ya tucutar jiman bxi y yoni 
masaxmi mitema coy aboxmi y yo nnamainatar moojaich milli y 
yaqma abonac y yo no y yo ocaihuc coy jaxmea main itan monosaich 
coy jama juexme huememesaich. — Bancroft Hist. Native Races 
111,675. 

Page Twenty-nine 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Again, it must not be forgotten that our Fathers dealt with wild 
and barbarous tribes in a country where the light of civilization had 
never shone. These people were full of superstitions and were en- 
gaged in an almost perpetual warfare among themselves. They 
persisted stubbornly in their heathen customs and practices, making 
it extremely difficult for the missionaries to persuade them to a dif- 
ferent and a better life. Then, too, this work was begun in a time 
of few conveniences and meagre means. The modern scientific in- 
ventions and improvements which are of inestimable value in God's 
hands for hastening ilis work, were wholly wanting. The means of 
travel were most primiti\e, highways Vv^ere un thought of and even 
well-broken trails were unknown. 

Added to these causes, the missionaries had to depend largely 
upon the laity and temporal authorities. Often the laity did not 
behave themselves in a seemly manner and some of the temporal 
officers at times were careless in performing their duties. Slany 
.just petitions were denied and provisions failed to reach the colonists 
in time. The pioneer Fathers at times also suffered from positive 
opposition at the hands of those who were supposed to be helpful 
and just in their administration. 

Naturally all these causes were inevitable hindrances to the 
progress of the mission. However, notwithstanding these various 
obstacles which threatened ruin to the enterprise, God's vv'ork must 
needs attain its purpose. Just as after the storm comes the calm and 
after the dreary days comes the sunshine, so came the temporal and 
spiritual prosperity of the San Gabriel Mission as shown in the 
following chapter. 



Page Tliirty 



CHAPTER VII 

Father Junipero Serra in San Gabriel, 
1772-1778 

The San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. fifth mission, was founded on 
September 17. 1772. by Father Junipero Serra with Fatlier Jos< 
( "avaller. On tlie day following the founding of this mission, Father 
Junipero Serra left this place for San Gabriel. En route he visited 
the territory in which was to be established the San Buenaventura 
Mission. The distance covered in this journey Avas about eighty 
leagues. 

Father Junipero Serra arrived for the first time in San Gabriel 
oil September 11. 1772. He rejoiced greatl.y at finding so many 
Christians at this mission, and was agreeably surprised to find a val- 
ley with resources for a city of a large size. He congratulated the 
Fathers upon their unselfish work. 

Shortly after, accompanied by one of the Fathers, he went to 
San Diego, arriving there on September 16. 1772. In San Diego, 
matters of great interest to the mission's welfare were discussed. 
In his somewhat lengthy deliberations with the Fathers at San 
Diego one conclusion of special value to the missions was. that he 
should go to Mexico to report to the Viceroy the true state of affairs 
and to solii'it and provide necessary things for the missions. Ac- 
cordingly Father Junipero Serra left San Diego, October 20, 1772, en 
route for Mexico. This journey was a very difficult one for a maii 
as old as the Father President, seeing that he was in his sixtieth 
year. Avith somewhat broken health. 

He sailed from San Diego. October 20th, and after a compara- 
tively happy journey, he arrived at San Bias. November 4th. where 
he noticed the change of missionaries in Lower California. After 
having passed through many accidents and ailments, being one 
time almost at the point of death, he arrived in Mexico. February 6, 
1778, accompanied by an- Indian neophyte from Monterey. Having 
accomplished his mission he returned to San Diego, March 80, 1774. 

At this time San Gabriel, as well as the other missions, was in 
such great need as had never been experienced. The scanty crops 
of the small ranches and the failure of the shipping companies to 
transport provisions, rendered the mission almost helpless and starv- 
ing. It was at this critical time that Father Junipero Serra brought 
relief from Mexico. Although Father Serra ardv^ntly desired to be 
back in his mission at San Carlos, he was nevertheless happy to 
have arrived at San Diego, because he was thus able to provide for 
this mission and for San Gabriel which were, together with the 
others, in great need. Father Serra was in San Gabriel for the 
second time in 1774. He was glad to see the Fathers happy amidst 
their trials and poverty. He rejoiced at the number of Christians and 

Page Thirty-one 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

noophytes. While ho could more readily ^o to Monterey by sea, yet 
he preferred to go there by land that he might visit all the missions, 
thank the Fathers for their faithfulness and to encourage them. 

The commander. Rivera, arrived in San Gabriel, Jannary 3, 
1774. On the next day. Jannary 4th. the lieutenant colonel. Jnan 
Bantista Anza (Hoo-ahng Bahw-tees-tah Ahng-thah). arrived in 
San Gabriel from Sonora with troops for the post of San Gabriel. 
Here in San Gabriel the commander had confidence that he could 
redeem the captiA^es and punish the rebels who destroyed the San 
Diego Mission. In 177f). the Apostle of T"^pper Galifornia came again 
to San Diego. Here Father Serra received the happy tidings of the 
restoration of the San Diego Mission, which was shortly before 
destroyed by the Indians. 

The reestablishment of the Mission San Diego was quickly fol- 
lowed by the founding of the San Juan Gapistrano (Sahng Hoo- 
ahng Kah-pees-trah-noh) Mission in 1776. Father Junipero Serra 
then visited San Gabriel in order to take neophytes, provisions and 
cattle for the new mission. Thus Father Junipero Serra left San 
Gabriel with one soldier and one neophyte, preceding the remainder 
of the company to the new site which was about eighteen leagues 
distant. While on his way he fell into imminent danger of losing 
his precious life. He was attacked by a group of Indians, but the 
neophyte warned them not to kill the Father because if they did, 
the soldiers who were coming after would in turn kill them. They 
instantly were converted and Father Serra blessed them and gave 
them presents of beads and other ornaments. That the Indians at 
San Gabriel Avere remarkable for their intelligence is shoAvn by the 
fact that Father Serra took from this mission an interpreter to San 
Juan Capistrano. To the services of this interpreter. Avere largely 
due the fruits of the Fathers' labors here. The Indians in San Juan 
Capistrano Avere docile and naturally pious, for. Avhile the Indians 
of other missions Avere anxious to get things to eat or Avear. the 
Indians in Sail Juan (^apistrano Avere anxious for baptism. The first 
child baptized by Father Serra in San Gabriel, on December 11, 1776. 
Avas an Indian. 

In 1776, going back to Monterey. Father Junipero Serra again 
visited San Gabriel. San Luis Obispo and San Antonio Missions, and 
because the ministers at San Gabriel Avere content and had baptized 
many. Father Serra Avas greatly pleased with their efforts, and en- 
couraged them in many Avays. Gompleting his itinerant Ansit. he 
arrived at his Mission of San Garlos in 1777. 

Thus far the life of the Father President has been spent in his 
ordinary priestly ministration folloAved by the last seven years of 
the most faithful presidency. This faithful service is uoaa^ to be 
recognized and his efforts croAAmed by the authority to administer 
Confirmation, conferred by His Holiness. Pope Clement XIV. In 
the next chapter avc shall consider the Apostle at San Gabriel labor 
ing in this capacity. 

Page Thirty -three 




Z T3 

Hi c 

I 3 . 

_J 2£ 



CHAPTER VIII 

Confirmation Administered in San Gabriel 

By Father Junipero Serra 

1778-1784 

On July 16, 1774, the authority to administer Confirmation was 
granted to Father Junipero Serra by Pope Clement XIV, but he 
(lid not receive it until June 17, 1778. 

After exercising this prerogative at San Carlos, he immediately 
set out on a trip to the missions. In his rounds, he first administered 
( Confirmation at San Diego, September 15, 1778, then at San Gabriel 
and later at the other missions. It was here in San Gabriel that the 
missionaries were more than delighted at the Father's encourage- 
ment and the very valuable services rendered in almost daily Con- 
firmation. It was with deep regret that he was obliged to leave for 
San Carlos, where he arrived January 5, 1779. On this way thither 
he visited the other missions. 

In the latter part of the year 1781, an important historical 
event occurred when a town of Spaniards was founded near the 
river Porciuncula (Pohr-cee-oong-koo-lah), now Los Angeles River. 
This interesting stream was christened Porciuncula by the first ex- 
pedition of 1769. 

The first settlement was made near the banks of this river, four 
leagues northwest of San Gabriel. Three soldiers and one corporal 
founded the tow^n and named it Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles de 
Porciuncula (Noo-yas-trah Say-nyoh-rah day lohs Anng-hay-lays 
(lay Pohr-thee-oong-koo-lah). There being no chapel here for serv- 
ice, the people were obliged to travel the distance of I'cur leagues 
to attend Mass on Sundays at San Gabriel. 

About that time Father Cambon, one of the founders of San 
Gabriel, who recently returned from an expedition to the Philippine 
Islands, was in San Diego. We do not know the motive of his trip. 
He returned sick and now was convalescing in San Diego. Father 
Serra ordered him to go to San Gabriel and later on he was ap- 
pointed Superior of the San Buenaventura Mission. Father Cam- 
bon served also in Lower California at San Fernando de Velicata 
( Vay-lee-kah-tah), the first mission founded by Father Serra in 
Lower California, and had at the same time charge of some mission 
property there. He also attended the founding of the San Francisco 
Mission and was the first priest that came to the Petaluma (Pay- 
tah-loo-mah) region. 

On March 18, 1782, Blather Junipero Serra arrived in the Pueblo 
(Pooay-bloh) de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles de Porciuncula and 
remained here over night, the next day starting for San Gabriel. 
Here at this strong mission point he found among the Fathers, 
Father Cambon. 

Father Junipero Serra came to San Gabriel fasting, sang the 

Page Thirty -five 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Mass and preached on St. Joseph, forgetful of the exhaustion occa- 
sioned by his long journey of one hundred and thirty leagues from 
Monterey. The territorial governor was then at San Gabriel and 
had conference with the Father President concerning San Buena- 
ventura and Santa Barbara Missions to be founded at the earliest 
opportunity. 

After remaining for six days in which he administered Confir- 
mation he left for Monterey on Holy Tuesday. The company was 
an imusual one, consisting of seventy soldiers, one captain, a lieu- 
tenant, a commander, three sergeants and corporals, the governor. 
Father Cambon, and a number of new converts. They left on 
March 26th and on their way the San Buenaventura Mission was 
founded, March 30, 1782. A neophyte of the San Gabriel Mission 
vvho had some knowledge of the language spoken by the Indians of 
the place, named by the first expedition The Assumption or Asuncion 
(Ali-sooug-cee-ohng), greatly assisted in the work. There was at 
this beautiful spot a pueblo of Gentiles among whom the San Buena- 
ventura Mission was founded. 

After about two years' stay in Monterey our Father left home 
on his last visit to the missions. He sailed for San Diego landing 
there in September, 1783. The distance from Monterey to San 
Diego is one hundred and seventy leagues. From here he traveled 
to San Gabriel. He was ill and so feeble that the little Indian 
altar boys exclaimed "The old Father wants to die." Here, not- 
withstanding his feebleness, he administered Confirmation, baptized 
and preached with unusual fervor, feeling that perchance he was 
passing this way and encouraging his children for the last time. 

From San Gabriel he went to San Carlos by vv^ay of San Buena- 
ventura and arrived home in January, 1784, being at this time 
seventy years of age. Up to the time of his death he had confirmed 
over five thousand three hundred Christian souls. His unbroken 
devotion to the arduous tasks, together with his ripened years, had 
undermined his robust constitution until he fell victim to a species 
of pulmonary oppression which ended his most valuable, glorious 
and triumphant career. This occurred at San Carlos, Monterey, 
on the feast of St. Augustine, August 28, 1784. 

Considering the environments and the small number in the 
fellowship his funeral was a glorious one. Not because of the pomp 
displayed nor because of the great multitudes but because of the 
tears of the Indians and the missionaries, all of whom had come to 
love him. In the midst of the tolling of the mission bells and the 
sonorous voice of the cannons and the usual rites of the Church, 
Father Junipero Serra was laid to rest at the Gospel side in the 
sanctuary of the San Carlos Mission Church* 



*The most expressive yet concise eulogy of this hero is found in the words 
of Holy Scripture wherewith Father Palou, as though with golden brush, 
finishes Father Serra 's portrait; "the memory of him shall not depart and his 
name shall be in request from generation to generation. ' ' 

Page Thirty-six 



CHAPTER IX 

San Gabriel's Role in the Founding of the 

Great Metropolis of the 

Southwest, 1781 

Because of the wonderful growth aud the development of this 
metropolitan city in the midst of the missions and particularly be- 
cause of the relationship it bears toward the old San Gabriel Mis- 
sion, we cannot refrain from further stating what we have almost 
suggested in the preceding chapter as regards the founding of this 
beautiful city of the Angels. 

We can affirm without fear of contradiction that there is no 
city in this vast country of ours which has had such a glorious and 
solemn founding. All the other cities with a few exceptions have 
been started by a mere happening. They began incidentally as 
camping grounds or trading posts or as scattered settlements. It 
was not after this fashion that the Pueblo of the Angels came into 
existence. 

First of all, this city was legally organized in California. It is 
true that San Jose (Sahng Hoh-say) was founded in 1777, four years 
prior to the founding of Los Angeles. 

About that time thought was given to the founding of Los 
Angeles. We have already stated that the site of this city and the 
Los Angeles River were discovered by an exploring party in 1769. 
This party named this river the Porciuncula. 

Following the founding of San Jose, through the Viceroy, Mar- 
quis de Croix, and the General Visitor of the Kingdom of New 
Spain, Valdez, a petition with its recommendation for the founding 
of Los Angeles was sent to his Majesty, Charles III, King of Spain. 
A reply to this petition was delayed four years, when a properly 
signed and decreed document was transmitted by the King of 
Spain to the Viceroy, ordering the city to be founded. In this 
document the King greatly praised and warmly recommended the 
energy and the forethought of the governor. 

Los Angeles was therefore one of the first legally and formally 
ordained cities in California. At once volunteer Spanish settlers were 
sought in Mexico. These with their families were granted liberal 
concessions in the way of property and privileges. All these set- 
tlers, headed by Don Jose Zuniga (Thoo-nyee-gah), lieutenant, 
gathered at San Gabriel. The governor himself was then the guest 
of the Fathers in this mission. 

From San Gabriel, the mother and guardian of the Pueblo, the 
solemn procession started on September 4, 1781. The governor 
himself led this imposing line. The soldiers following next bore 

Page Thirty-seven 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

aloft the banner of Spain, the mother land. Then in close proces- 
sion marched the priests, preceded by a baud of Indian acolytes 
rarrying the cross, the emblem of our redemption and the banner 
of Our Lady. 

We may piously suppose that this banner was the wonderful 
and miraculous one unfurled by Father Cambon, at the sight of 
which the Indians fell upon their faces and, in sign of peace, pre- 
sented their various offerings. 

When the procession arrived at the site previously determined 
for the Plaza (Plah-thah) of the Pueblo, the touching and the sol- 
emn ceremony of the founding began. The priests with the signifi- 
cant and appropriate prayers and rites' of the Sacred Liturgy, 
blessed the favored spot which was destined to support a great and 
a nourishing city. Doubtless these saintly Fathers, while imparting 
their paternal blessing, foresaw the growth and prosperity of future 
generations. 

Following this preliminary, the governor addressed the people 
in well chosen words, thanking the zealous missionaries for their 
faithfulness, recognizing the untiring efforts of the Fathers, speak- 
ing of the future possibilities, encouraging the citizens to activity 
and last but not least of all, giving special gratitude to God for his 
many providences and imploring continued blessings. The town 
was then christened Pueblo de Nuestra de Los Angeles de Porciun- 
cula. 

It was at this place two years later that Father Junipero Serra 
stopped on his Avay to San Gabriel. The prosperity of the place 
and the welcome afforded him caused the servant of God to pass 
on his way with great rejoicing. 

As above stated, Los Angeles was then one of the many visit- 
ing points of the priests of San Gabriel. At the beginning, the 
people had to go to San Gabriel to attend services. However, later 
on, they had their own temporary place of worship frequently vis- 
ited by the San Gabriel Fathers. 

In 1812, Los Angeles built its temporary chapel on the river 
bank near the present Aliso (Ah-lee-soh) street, but on account of 
a great flood which covered that whole flat, the chapel was moved 
to higher ground near Buena Vista (Boo-ay-nah Vees-tah) street, 
in 1815. As a more substantial church and as a substitute for this 
temporary chapel, the Plaza church was begun in 1818 and finished 
and dedicated in 1822. While the name and site remained the 
same, these early buildings were remodeled and substituted by the 
present structures. 



Page Thirty-eight 



CHAPTER X 

Briefs from the Pioneer Fathers, 
1771-1782 

Before entering upon the youth of the San Gabriel Mission and 
the critical period of its infancy, it will be refreshing to pause for 
a moment to hear the founders sing the praises of this marvelous 
valley. Let the first to speak, be the illustrious disciple and com- 
panion of Father Junipero Serra, Father Juan Crespi.* 

In a letter written at San Diego to Father Palou, with whom 
he was educated, dated May 21. 1772. Father Crespi speaks of San 
Gabriel and its soil with words of great commendation: 

"I passed by way of the Mission of San Gabriel and found tht 
Missionary Fathers without any special news save only the same 
lack of victuals and that for a considerable time. Already they 
had been using the supplies which were on hand to found the Mis- 
sion of San Buenaventura, and though they had drawn their belts 
tight (tirando bien la cuerda) there remained to them provisions 
only for two months and a half. 

"This ]\Iission of San Gabriel is distant from that of this port 
(San Diego) about forty leagues. It is lot-ated in a place Avhich. 
though it was not founded where it was marked (to be founded), 
is nevertheless the only suitable one in all that has been gone over, 
and it can be counted for one of the marvels of this world. 

"It is a valley five or six leagues in length and three or four 
in Avidth. It has a very great forest of oaks, from vv^hich issue 
something like fifty or more acequias (ah-thay-kee-ahs) of water, 
most of them on the level of the land. Aiul all the very extended 
plain is of most shaded and fertile land. 

"Outside of the aforesaid it has another forest dose to the 
mission of sufficient extent, with three or four arroyos (ah-rroh- 
yohs) Avith much lands, vines and infinite rose fields, which with 
ten or twenty laboring peons could produce much grain or seeds 



*Father Juan Crespi was born in 1721. on the Island of Mallorca. He 
came to Mexico in 1749, and served at Panie Missions of Sierra Gorda. In 
April, 1768, he arrived in Lower California and accompanied the first land 
expedition which reached San Diego in May, 1769. Later on he was one of a 
party that searched for Monterey and discovered San Francisco Bay. He 
assisted in founding the Mission of San Carlos. It was at this mission that 
he died on January 1, 1782, and was buried in the Mission Church. His body 
was interred in the San Carlos Mission Church within the presbytery on the 
Gospel side by his old friend and Superior, .Junipero Serra. The founder of 
the California Missions appreciated him so highly that his own last request 
was that his body be placed by the side of Fr. Juan Crespi. — Palou, Vida, 
237-239. 

Page Thirty-nine 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

for whatever they luny require and could in ;i sliort time supply 
some other missions." — ('has. F. Lummis. 

''Pase por la mission (mision) de Sn. (San) Gabriel y hall(> 
en ella a los missioneros (misioneros) sin novedad especial, si solo 
eon la misma falta de viveres, y que ya hazia (hacia) tiempo, 
gastavan. (gastaban) de la preveneion que havia (habia) para 
fundar la mission (mision) de Sn. (San) Buenava. (Buenaventura "i 
y (pie tirando bien la euerda solo les queda como para dos nieses 
y medio. Dista esta mission (mision) de Sn. Gabriel de la de este 
puerto como cuarenta leguas. esta puesta on lui Paraxe (Paraje), 
que aunque no se fundo en donde se tenia senalado. pero es lo unico 
de todo lo handado. (andado) y se puede eontar por una de las 
Maravillas deste (de este) mundo. Es un valle de cineo a seis 
leguas de largo, y detres a quatro (cuatro) de ancho tiene un bosque 
graiidisimo de encinar del que salen como cinquenta (eineuenta) o 
mas azequias (acequias) de agua, las mas al pelo de la tierra. y 
toda la dilatadisima llanura es tierra froiulossisima (frondosisima) y 
de pan llever (llevar). Fuera de lo dbo. (dicho) tiene otro bosqu<' 
pegado a la mission de bastante extension, con tres o quatro (cuatro) 
arroyos grans, (grandes) con muehas tierras, parras, y rosales \u- 
finitas. (infinitos), que con diez o viente peones de trabaxo (trabajo) 
pudieren (pudieran) producir mucho grano u (o) semillas para 
quanto (cuanto) se quisieren. (quisieran) y pudiera en breve tpo. 
(tiempo) abastecer algs. (algunas) missiones." 

We may rightly suppose that the happy members of the ex- 
ploring party of 1769, among whom were Father Juan Grespi and 
Francisco Gomez (Goh-raayth), took great pleasure in resting under 
these trees and quenching their thirst at the sparkling fountains 
before pursuing their .iourney to the westward, the present site 
of Los Angeles, and where they discovered the Porciuncula River. 

The old pioneer. Father Francisco Palou. adding his testimony, 
voices the same sentiment.* 

In his Vida del V. P. Junipero Serra. Chapter 30. in which he 
speaks of the first visit of the Servant of God to San Gabriel, he 



*Father Francisco Palon was born at Palnia, the capital of the Tsland of 
Mallorca, about 1722. He was a disciple of Father Serra, with whom he sailed 
for America in 1749. He arrived in Vern Cruz on December 7. 1749. He did 
missionary work at Sierra Gorda and finally was appointed to Lower California. 
Father Paloii arrived at Tjoreto in April, 17fiS. and took char^s^e of the San 
Francisco Javier (hah-vee-air), and in 17fi9 after Father Serra "s departure for 
the North he became acting Superior or President of the Missions in Lower 
falifornia. Tn August. 1773. he arrived at San Diego and in 1774, while Father 
Serra was absent in Mexico, he again acted as President of the Missions. 
Father Palou was stationed in San Carlos and in .Tune. 1776, went to found the 
San Francisco establishment. Upon the death of Father Junipero Serra. 
Father Palou, as senior missionary, acted as President of the Missions until 
Father Lasuen (lah-soo-ayng) received the appointment in September, 17S."). 
Father Palou returned to Mexico and was elected guardian of the San Fer- 
nando College, where he died about the year 1790. — Bancroft. Vol. T, 47.1-47fi. 
Father Palou 's signature is found in the archives of San Gabriel. 

Page Forty 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 



says: "They arrived in the San Gabriel Mission, the only one not 
yet visited by the Venerable Servant of God, Father Serra, and ex- 
tremely rejoiced at seeing so many Christians praising God. Father 
Serra experienced a great joy at seeing the extensive plain stretch- 
ing out before him and with resources for an immense population 
and a great city. He endeavored to encourage the Indians and 
their heathen parents and revv^ard them for their faithfulness, lie 
congratulated and thanked the Fathers both upon their temporal 
and spiritual work.* 

Now, turning our consideration to the more distinctly social 
and political aspect of the mission, we see how Father Palou in 
Chapter LII*, in which he treats of the founding of San Buena- 
ventura, speaks of this enterprising place in strong and commenda- 
tory words. ' ' Father Junipero Serra left San Gabriel with a found- 
in g party composed of so many and such prominent characters as 
had never been seen, for in addition to the troops belonging to the 
garrison and three missions, which consisted of seventy soldiers 
with one lieutenant, captain and commander for the new garrison, 
one ensign, three sergeants, with a suitable number of corporals, 
were the governor himself with ten soldiers of the company of 
Monterey, and Fathers Serra and Cambon."** 

Such was the San Gabriel Mission according to the testimony 
of those who assisted during its infancy. Thus we should not be 
surprised at the vigorous growth detailed in the following chapters. 



*Llegaron a la Mision de San Gabriel (que era la unica que no habia 
visto el Van. Siervo de Dios) y le causo extraordinaria alegria ver ya alii 
tantos christianos (eristianos) que alababan a Dios. Procuro acariciarlos y 
regalarlos a todos y juutamente a sus Padres gentiles, causaudole especial coni- 
placencia ver aquella espaciosa llanada capaz para fundar en ella una ciudad. 
Dio a los Padres los para bienes y gracias por lo mucho que habian trabajado 
en lo espiritual y temporal. 

*Palou, Vida, 245. 

**Y salio con la expedicion que se componia de tanto gentio que jamas 
se habia visto tanta tropa junta • en estas fundaciones, pues a mas de la tropa 
pertenecieute al Presidio y tres Misiones que eran 70 soldados eon su teniente 
capitau comandante para el Nuevo Presidio un alferez tres sargentos y sus 
eorrespondientes cabos iba el senor gobernador con lU soldados de la compania 
lie Monterey con los Padres Serra y Cambon. 



Page Forty-one 




OLD CRUCIFIX AND CHOIR GALLERY. 

This Imposing Life-sized Crucifix — Called The Santo Cristo de IVlajusqui — Was 

Held by the Indians in Great Veneration. This Unique Choir Gallery Is 

Sustained by Cross-beams. These Huge Timbers Were Cut, 

Hewn and Carried by the Indians. 



CHAPTER XI 

Biographical Sketch of the Lives of Founders 

and most Prominent Pioneer Fathers of 

the San Gabriel Mission 

Although the stay at San Ga])riel of the rounders. Pedro Cambou 
and Angel Soniera, was exceedingly short, due to their failing 
health, yet on account of their personal importance and, above all, 
because of their role in the history making of San Gabriel, we shall 
briefly review their wonderful lives. 

While we know little of them, yet from some of their wonderful 
deeds, we may conjecture their beautiful career. At the time oP 
the founding of San Gabriel, there were fre(|uent desertions on the 
part of the soldiers. Father Palou tells us in his "Vida" that the 
return of these rebellious soldiers to their sense of duty was due to 
the kindliness and exquisite manners of the Fathers. 

It was to those wonderful missionaries, who had the inspiration 
of showing the image of the Blessed Virgin, that the Indians dropped 
their weapons and came to treat for peace. AVhile possessed with 
a deep sense of piety, these heroic founders did not lack prudence 
in their conduct. The Indians began to crowd in a tumultuous, 
threatening way. Fr. Somera then went to San Diego to ask for 
further protection. 

The one who seems to have played a more important part is 
Fr. Pedro Benito Cambon. He was born at Santiago (sahng-tee-ah- 
goh), in Galicia (gah-lee-thee-ah), Spain, the privileged city that 
holds the sacred remains of St. James the Greater. He was ordered 
to California from the college in August, 1770, setting out in Oc- 
tober, sailing from San Bias in January, 1771, and arriving at San 
Diego March 12th, and IMonterey May 21st. He vras a founder of 
San Gabriel in September, 1771, and served there until April, 1772. 
He then spent several years at Yelicata, in Baja California, for the 
benefit of his health, and to look after Franciscan property. He 
went to San Francisco in October, 1776, but was absent from Oc- 
tober, 1779, until May, 1782, during Avhich time he made a trip 
from San Bias to Manila as chaplain of the San T^arlos, devoting 
his pay to the purchase of supplies for his neophytes, and also 
founded San Buenaventura in IMarch, 1782. He was a zealous and 
able man, but his health repeatedly broke down, and finally in 
November, 1791, at the request of Fr. Lasuen, and on a certificate 
signed by three surgeons, he was permitted to depart without 
waiting for the viceroy's license. His last signature on the mission 
books was September 10th.* Father Cambon 's signature at San 
Gabriel appears in the baptismal records in 1782. 

Fr. Angel Somera came to California with Fr. Cambon in 
August, 1770. He attended that important meeting held in San 



*Bancroft, I, 712. 
Page Forty -three 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Diego, in which it was decided that Father Junipero Serra sharJd 
go to Mexico and inform the viceroy and transact various business 
concerning the newly-founded missions. On October 1, 1771, he 
went to San Diego and returned on the 9th with several soldiers 
for the more thorough protection of the mission. Being in poor 
health, Father Angel Somera was sent to San Diego, where he 
remained for some time.* 

The Fathers Paterna and Cruzado, intended for the founding 
of San Buenaventura Mission, were sent to San Gabriel. Upon the 
retiring of the founders these became the regular attending priests. 

Fr. Antonio Paterna was a native of Seville, and served twenty 
years in the Sierra Gorda Missions before coming to California. He 
left his college in October. 1770. sailing from San Bias in the San 
Antonio January 21. 1771; arrived at San Diego March 12th, at 
Monterey May 21st. and was back at San Diego July 14th. He was 
supernumerary at San Gabriel until May, 1772, and minister until 
September, 1777. During this time he was acting president in 
1772-3 until Fr. Palou's arrival. He was minister at San Luis 
Obispo from 1777 to 1786, and at Santa Barbara from its founda- 
tion, December 4, 1786. until his death on February 13, 1793. He 
had been a zealous and faithful worker. His body was buried in 
the mission church on February 14th. "Whether it was subsequenth 
transferred to the new church does not appear from the records.* 

Upon arrival of the Fathers from Lower California in 1773. Juan 
Figuer (hoo-ahng fee gair) and Fermin Francisco Lasuen (fayr- 
meeng frahng-thees-koh lah-soo-ayng) were appointed to San Ga- 
briel to assist the regular Missionary Fathers, Paterna and Cruzado. 

After the death of Father Serra. Fr. Palou was made to assume 
the duties of president until September. 1785. when Fr. Lasuen was 
appointed president. Fr. Lasuen Avas a native of Victoria (veek- 
toh-ree-ah). Province of Alava (ah-lah-vah), Spain. He belonged 
to the Franciscan Province of Cantabria (kahng-tah-bree-ah) and 
was incorporated in the Apostolic College of San Fernando. The 
date of his birth is not recorded, nor anything of his life until he 
sailed from San Bias on March 14. 1768. He reached Loreto, April 
1st, and was assigned to the Mission of San Francisco de Borja 
(I>ohr-hah). In March. 1769. he went up to Velicata to bless 
Rivera's expedition starting for the North. In May. 1773. he left 
Loreto, was at Velicata in July and on August 30th arrived at 
San Diego. He served at San Gabriel from December, 1773. to 
September, 1775; at San Juan Capistrano through 1776, and at San 
Diego until 1785. when he was elected president. During his term 
of office, from September of that year, his headquarters were at 



*The way in which he signs his name tells us of his deep profound humil- 
ity. The first baptismal record at the mission bears his signature thus: Joseph 
Angel Fernandez de la Somera, indigno ministro de esta raision (unworthy 
minister of this mission). 

*Bancroft, T, 672. 

Page Forty -four 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

San Carlos, but. in addition to his frequent tonrs through all the 
missions, he was nt Santa Clara almost continuously from 1786 to 
1789, at San Buenaventura in 1797, and at San Luis Obispo from 
October, 1799, to August, 1800. In May. 1795. he received a few 
votes for the prelacy of his college, but Nogueira was elected. In 
October 27, 1803, the Bishop of Sonora pays a high tribute to 
Lasuen's services and character. An old Californian says that 
Lasuen had very fine polite French manners — his family being of 
French extraction. ''Le pere Firrain de la Suen, president de 
missions de la Nouvelle Calif ornie, est un des hommes les plus 
estimables que j'aie jamais rencontres; sa douceur, sa charite. son 
amour pour les Indiens sont inexprimables." — La Perouse, Voy. 
11, 300. Malaspina praises Lasuen as of real apostolic presence and 
spirit, and of no common instruction and manners. Vancouver, in 
1792, says of him: "This personage was about 72 years of age 
(1792), whose gentle manners, united to a most venerable and 
placid countenance, indicated that tranquillized state of mind that 
fitted him in an eminent degree for presiding over so benevolent 
an institution." Vancouver gave his name to Pt. Fermin at Pt. 
Lasuen, still so called on modern maps.* Fr. Lasuen died in San 
Carlos on June 26, 1803, at two o'clock in the aflernoon, and was 
buried the next day, in a stone sepulcher at the foot of the allar on 
the Gospel side of the Mission Church by six of his Brother Relig- 
ious. Fr. Tapis succeeded him in the office of President of the 
California Missions. 

Among the first pioneer missionaries was Fr. Juan Figuer. He 
was a native of Anento (ah-nayng-toh), in Aragon, and became a 
Franciscan at Zaragoza. Of his coming to America and to San 
Fernando College I have found no record. With twenty-nine com- 
panions, friars for the Californias, he arrived at Tepic from Mexico 
at the end of 1770, and with about nineteen of the number sailed 
for Loreto in February, 1771. The vessel was driven down to Aca- 
pulco, and in returning was grounded at Manzanillo. Most of the 
padres returned to Sinaloa by land, but Figuer and Serra — Figuer 
M'as assigned to the Baja Californian Mission of San Francisco de 
Borja — intrusted themselves again to the sea. when the San Carlos 
was got oif in November, and after another tedious voyage reached 
Loreto in August. 1771. In 1772 he was sent up to San Diego by 
Palou in company with Osson, both being intended for the proposed 
mission of San Buenaventura; but that foundation being postponed, 
Figuer became minister of San Gabriel in May, 1773. He served 
at San Gabriel 1773-4; at San Luis Obispo, October, 1774, to June, 
1777, and at San Diego until his death in December, 1784. He was 
buried in the Mission Church on December 19th, by his associate, 
Lasuen. In 1804 his remains, with those of the martyr, Jaume, and 
of Mariner, were transferred with all due solemnity to a new sepul- 
cher under an arch between the altars of the new church.* 



*Baiicroft, II, 9, 10. 
Page Forty-five 




BAPTISTRY AND BAPTISMAL FONT MADE OF HAMMERED COPPER. 

In the Salutary Waters of This Mystical Fount Over Twelve Thousand Indians 
Were Regenerated and Become Children of God and Heirs of His Glory. 



CHAPTER XII 

Period of Gro\x^th and Prosperity in 
San Gabriel Mission 

THE FRANCISCAN FATHERS 

"We liave s'^en tlie San Gabriel ^lisaioii passing through the 
(!ritieal periods of its infancy and adolescence. After the death oJ' 
Father -lunipero Serra. this mission entered upon a period of great 
vigor and activity. Tlie aim of this chapter is to give a synopsis of 
this progress from this time until the gloomy and unfortunate days 
of secularization and confiscation. To.be exact, yet brief, and at 
the same time to avoid confusion, we shall consider this period 
under certain heads. The first is a chronological list of the pastorate 
Fathers of the mission and those who occasionally administered 
here. 

Father Angel Somera and Pedro Benito C'ambon, the founders 
of the mission, were assisted by Fathers C'ruzado and Paterna, in- 
tended for the San Buenaventura Mission, vv'ho finally became the 
regular pastors of the mission. 

Then came in regular succession : 

1772 Fr. Antonio Cruzado (ahng-toh-nee-oh kroo-thah-doh). 

1772 Fr. Antonio Paterna (ahng-toh-nee-oh pah-tair-nah). 

1772 Fr. Ramon Osson (rrah-mohng oh-ssohng). 

1774 Fr. Juan Diaz (hoo-ahng dee-ath). 

1774 Fr. Juan Figuer (hoo-ahng fee-gair). 

1774 Fr. Fermin Francisco de Lasuen (fayr-meeng frahng-thees- 
koh day lah-soo-ayng). 

1774 Fr. Pablo de Mugartegui (pah-bloh day moo-gahr-tay-gee). 

1775 Fr. Gregorio Antonio de Amurria (gray-goh-rioli ah-moo- 

rrieah). 

1775 Fr. Miguel Sanchez. 

1776 Fr. Francisco Garces (frahng-thees-koh gahr-thays). 
1776 Fr. Vicente Fuster (vee-thayng-tay foos-tair). 

1787 Fr. Juan Antonio Garcia Riobo (rree-oh-boh). 

1788 Fr. Jose Antonio Calzada (hoh-say ahng-toh-nee-oh kalil- 

thah-dah). 
1792 Fr. Cristobal Oramas (krees-toh-bahl oh-rah-mahs). 

1794 Fr. Diego de Noboa (dee-ay-goh day oli-boh-ah). 

1795 Fr. Juan Martin (hoo-ahng mahr-teen). 

1796 Fr. Juan Cortes (hoo-ahng kohr-tays). 



^Bancroft, I, 4.54. 
Page Forty-seven 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

1799 Fr. Jose Baroua (lioh-say bah-rohnah). 

1797 Fr. Pedro de Sn. Jpli. Esteban (pay-droh day saling hoh-say 

ais-tay-bahng). 
179a Fr. Antonio Peiry (ahng-toh-iiee-oli pai-i-ree). 

1800 Fr. Francisco Xavier UrJa (frahng-thees-koh hali-vee-air oo- 

ree-ah). 

1802 Fr. Isidore Barcenilla (ee-see-doii-roh bahr-tliay-neel-lyah). 
Ib03 Fr. Francisco Dumetz (fralmg-tliees-koh doo-iiietz). 

1803 Fr. Juan Norberto de Santiago (hoo-aling nohr-baihr-toli clay 

salmg-tee-ah-goh) . 
1803 Fr. Jose de Miguel (hoh-say day mee-gayl). 
1803 Fr. Jose Faura (fah-oo-rah). 

1801 Fr. Jose Antonio de Martiarena (mahr-tee-ahr-ay-nah). 
1801 Fr. Jose Antonio de Urresti (oo-rrays-tee^. 

1806 Fr. Jose Ma. de Zalvidea (hohsay mah-ree-ah day thahl-vee- 

dai-ah). 
1813 Fr. Ramon Olbes (rrah-mohng ohl-bays). 

1813 Fr. Luis Gil y Taboada (loo-ees heelee tah-boli-ah-dah). 
1811 Fr. Pedro Munoz (pay-droh moo-nyohth). 

1814 Fr. Tomas Felix (toh-mahs fay-leeks). 

1814 Fr. Joaquin Pascual Nuez (hoh-ah-keeng pahs-koo-ahl noo- 
ayth). 

1814 Fr. Vicente Pascual Oliva (vee-thayng-tay pahs-k(.o-ahl oh- 
lee-vah). 

1817 Fr. Antonio Menendez (ahng-toh-nee-oh may-nayng-dayth). 

1818 Fr. Antonio Rodriguez (ahng-toh-nee-oh rroh-dree-gaith). 

1820 Fr. Francisco Gonzalez de Ybarra (frahng-thees-koh gohng- 

thah-laith day ee-bahr-rah). 

1821 Fr. Jeronimo Boscaua (hay-roh-nee-nioh bohs-kah-uah). 

1822 Fr. Jose Sanchez (hoh-say sahng-chayth). 

1822 Fr. Felix Caballero (fay-leeks kah-bahl-lyay-roh). 

1830 Fr. Tomas Mancilla (toh-mahs mahng-theel-lyah). 

1831 Fr. Jesus Maria Martinez (hay-soos mahree-ah mahr-tee- 

nayth). 
1831 Fr. Francisco Cuculla (koo-koo-lyah). 

1831 Fr. Mariano Sosa (mah-ree-ah-noh soh-sah). 

1832 Fr. J. A. Bachelot 

1832 Fr. Patricio (or Patrick Short (pah-tree-thee-oh). 

1833 Fr. Tomas Estenega (toh-mahs ais-tay-nay-gah). 

1845 Fr. Bias Ordaz (blahs ohr-dath). 

1846 Fr. Antonio Ma. Jimenez del Recio (ahng-toh-nee-oh mah- 

ree-ah hee-may-naith dayl rray-thee-oh). 

1849 Fr. Jose Ma. Rosales (hoh-say mah-ree-ah rrohs-ah-lais). 

1850 Fi". Jose Joaquin Jimeno (hoh-sa,y hoh-ah-keeng heeh-may- 

noh). 
1850 Fr. Francisco de Jesus Sanchez (frahng-thees-koli day hay- 
soos sahng-chaith). 

Page Forty-eight 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Pablo (le ^Iiiii'cU'teii'ui raiuc to ( alifornia with Sci-ra on tliat 
friar's return fi-om ^lexico. arriving' at San Diego Man-li lo. 1774.* 
Being in poor health he remained for some time unattached to any 
mission, first serving as supernumerary at San Antonio frcun January 
to July. 1775. He was minister at San Luis 01)ispo from August, 
1775. until Xoveni1)er. 1776. and at San Juan, as we have seen, from 
November, 1776. until November, 1789. He Vv'rites to Lasuen on 
January 80. 1794. from the college, that he had been very ill but 
was now out of danger. From August 16, 1786, he held the office 
of vice-in-esident of the California missions, having charge of the 
southern district. Taylor, in California Farmer. July 24. 1863, says, 
erroneously I suppose, that he died on ^March 6. 1805. at San Buena- 
ventura.** 

In 1774. Juan Bautista de Anza. accompanied by Fr. Diaz (dee- 
ahth) of the Queretaro*** Franciscan College, came from the Colo- 
rado River to San Gabriel across the country, from southeast to north- 
west. In 1775 and 1776. Anza brought a colony to California by the 
same route. In connection vrith this expedition. Fr. Francisco 
Garces made an extensive and important exploration a little further 
noi'th. He went up the Colorado to the ^Mohave region, and crossed 
westAvard by the thirty-fifth parallel and Mohave River to San 
Gabriel; then proceeding northward he traversed the famous moun- 
tain passes into the great Tulare Valley, nearly reaching the latitudt 
of Tulare Lake ; finally he passed out of the valley eastward and 
returned along the thirty-fifth parallel to Colorado. Fr. Garces had 
thus explored what is now Kern and San Bernardino counties.* 

Fr. Vicente Fuster was a native of Aragon who had originally 
left Mexico in October, 1770. arrived at Loreto in November. 1771, 
served at Velicata, and came \\p from the peninsula wnth Fr. Palou. 
He arrived at San Diego August 30. 1773. and was stationed there 
until 1776. He was with Fr. Jayme on the terrible night of Novem- 
ber 5. 1775. Avhen ^lission San Diego was destroyed and his com- 
panion murdered. His pen has graphically described the horrors of 
that night. After living at San Gabriel and other missions as super- 
numerary, he was missionary of San Juan Capistrano from Novem- 
ber, 1779, until December, 1787, when he fomided Purisiraa and re- 
mained there till August, 1789. He then returned to San Juan and 
resided there until his death on October 21. 1800. He was buried 
in the mission church. On September 9. 1806. his remains were 
transferred with all due solemnity to their tinal resting-place in the 
presbytery of the new church on the Epistle side.* 

Antonio Calzada was born in Florida. November 24. 1760; and 
took the habit at the convent of the Purisima Concepcion in Habana. 



*His first signature is found in the records of 8an Gabriel, 1774. 

**Baneroft. I, 459. 

***(Kay-ray-tah-roli.) 

^Bancroft, II, 4;>. 44. Engelhardt. The Fiaiiciseans in T'alif. 13S. 

*Engelliardt, The Franciscans in < al. ."117. 

Page Forty-nine 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

February -i. 1780. He was ordained a priest in Mexico. D.-i-'-nber 
18. 1784. and arrived in C/alifornia in Octol)er, 1787. Hi- .. ..ssionary 
service was at San Gal)riel from 1788 to 1792, at Pnris' ..a uutil 180-!. 
though absent in Mexico on account of ill-health fr^ .n August. 1796. 
to May. 1798. and founding Sta. Ines in September. 1801. he served 
there until a stroke of paralysis rendered him helpless in 1813. A 
second stroke put an end to his life on December 23. 1814. He was 
interred in the church, and on July 4. 1817, his remains were trans- 
ferred to the new^ church, outside the presbytery near the railing on 
the Gospel side.* 

Of Cristobal Oranuis we only know that he had been five years 
assistant curate, and became a friar only a year before coming to 
California, whither he brought in 1786, a most flattering reputation 
from the guardian for genius and exemplary conduct. Arch. Sta. 
Barbara. MS.. 26-7. He served at Santa Barbara, of wdiich mis- 
sion he was a founder, from December, 1786. to December. 1789; at 
Purisima (poo-ree-ssee-mah) u.ntil Novembm-. 1792. and at San 
Gabriel until September. 1793. when, broken down in health, lie 
retired to the college.* 

Fr. Juan ^lartin was a native of Spain, having been born at 
Villastar. Aragon. on January 12. 1770. After receiving the Fran- 
ciscan habit in Zaragoza on January 16. 1787. he studied theology 
at Teruel. On June 11. 1793. he sailed from Cadiz, and arrived at 
San Fernando College in September and in California early in 1794. 
He was stationed at San Gabriel from March. 1794. to July. 1796, 
as supernumerary, at Purisima until August. 1797. when he was 
transferred to San Miguel and there toiled among the natives until 
his death on August 29. 1824. after a painful illness resulting from a 
dropsical disease of the chest. His remains were buried in the 
church on August 30th. on the Gospel side of the main altar, by the 
side of Fr. Cipres. Fr. Juan Martin may l)e regarded as the founder 
of San Miguel, to the advancement of w^hose interests he gave all his 
energy.' He acquired a thorough knowledge of the native language, 
and was regarded by his superiors as the right man in the right 
place. Fr. Martin left a diary of his visit to the Gentile Tulares 
Indians in 1804. In 1818 and again in 1821 he accompanied the Fr. 
Prefect as secretary on a tour of inspection to the different missions. 
Fr. Uria. who recorded his death, certified to his exemplary devo- 
tion and conformity to the divine will in his last days and hours.* 

Juan Lope (loh-pay) Cortes was assigned to duty in California 
on February 24. 1796." He served at San Gabriel from August of 
that year until June. 1798. and at Santa Barbara till September. 
1805, when he obtained license to retire and sailed from San Diego 
on November 6th. From September. 1818. to May. 1827. he seems 



^Bancroft. II, 368. 
^Bancroft, I, fi64. 
^Bancroft. II, 384, 620. 



Page Fifty 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

to have been proeurador of San Fernando ('olleg:(': and in June, 
1827. he was sindieo of the same institution.* 

Pedro de San Jose Esteban was a native of Castile, became a 
Franciscan at Habana in 1783, joined the College of San Fernando 
in 1793, and was sent to California in 1794. He was at San Antonio 
for some months in 1795, served at San Diego from April. 1796, to 
July. 1797 ; and at San Gabriel till October. 1802. He was often at 
San Juan Capistrano. where he buried Padre Fuster in October. 1800. 
He also visited San Buenaventura and other missions.** 

Fr. Jose Faura was a native of Barcelona ; he arrived at Santa 
Barbara, May 7. 1798; served at San Luis Rey from July of that 
year till 1800; and at San Juan Capistrano till October, 1809. when 
he was allowed to retire, his term of service having expired.* 

Fr. Osson served at St. Xavier Mission. Lower California. 
After the transfer of the Lower California Missions to the Domini- 
cans in 1773. while Fr. Junipero was absent in Mexico. Fr. Ramon 
Osson was placed at San Antonio as a supernumerary. He finally 
took sick and retired to ^lexico.** 

Fr. Gregorio Amurria was one of the party that was wrecked 
at Manzanillo in attempting to cross from San Bias to Loreto in 
1771. He came back to Sinaloa by land, reached Loreto in Novem- 
ber, and served at Santa Gertrudis during the occupation of the 
peninsula by the Franciscans. At the cession he came with Father 
Palou to San Diego, in August. 1773. Here he remained until April, 
1774. when he sailed for Monterey, subsequently serving most of the 
time as supernumerary at San Luis Obispo, until the attempted foun- 
dation of San Juan, on October 30. 1775. His last entry in the books 
of that mission was in September of 1779.* 

We read no more of Fr. Riobo after he left the Mission San 
Diego. He probably retired to his college in Mexico. Of his early 
life nothing is known. He came from San Fernando College to 
Tepic in the same company with Father Figuer. probably in October. 
1770. Crossing over to the peninsula with Governor Barrio in 
January. 1771. he was put in charge of the two pueblos near Cape 
San Lucas. In May. 1773. he sailed from Loreto on his way to 
Mexico. Nothing more was heard of him until he was assigned to 
the Santa Barbara channel missions; but disliking the newly inaug- 
urated system, he refused to serve. Later on he was sent up with 
Fr. Noboa to San Francisco, where he arrived June 2. 1783. and 
acted as assistant priest. We find him in the same capacity at San 
Juan Capistrano and San Gabriel, until he came to San Diego, in 
1785, where he remained up to the time of his departure for 
Mexico.** 



*Bancroft, II. 121. 
**Bancroft. II, 11.3. 
^Bancroft. TI. 109-111. 
**Bancroft. I. Ut(3. 
^Bancroft. T. 303, 304; 4.58. 
**Ban(voft. I. 4.0.5-4.^7. 

Page Fifty -one 




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p.- I 



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5 ISO 

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re >H- 



CHAPTER XIII 

THE FRANCISCAN FATHERS 

Continued 

Fr. Antonio Peyri was born on January lU. 17b5. or perhaps 

1769, at Porrera. Catalonia, Spain, and received the habit of St. 
Francis in the convent at Reus on October 25, 1787. He sailed from 
Cadiz on ^lay 8, 1795, and left the College of San Fernando for 
California on March 1. 1796, arriving in July. He was first stationed 
at San Luis Obispo for tvro years and in 1798 Avas one of the founders 
of San Lviis Rey, where, and at the branch establishment of San 
Antonio de Pala, he labored continuously thereafter. In 1826, he 
petitioned the president of Mexico to relieve him of the administra- 
tion of the mission, asserting that he was an old man no longer fit 
for service. He thereupon obtained permission from the Mexican 
authorities to retire with full payment of the past stipends, amount- 
ing to $3000. Fr. Antonio sailed from San Diego for Mazatlan on 
his way to Mexico on January 17, 1832. The tradition is that he 
had to leave San Luis Rey secretly, lest the neophytes should stop 
him, and that his Indians, 500 strong, hastened to San Diego to pre- 
vent his departure, but they arrived only in time to receive his 
blessing from the receding ship. One of the Indians who aided the 
departing missionary relates that as his last act Fr. Peyri knelt on 
the hill and prayed for the mission. He left Mexico in February, 
1834. and by way of New York and France, reached Barcelona in 
June.* 

Fr. Jose Barona was born at Villa Nueva, Spain, ]\Iarch 22. 1764, 
and became a Franciscan at Velorado, July 18. 1783. He left Spain 
in 1794. and arrived at the College of San Fernando, August 24, 
1795, to California he came in January or May, 1798. He was sta- 
tioned at San Diego in 1798-1811, and at San Juan Capistrano in 
1811-1831. As early as 1817 he was in broken health, and desirous 
of retirement. In 1823 he was rudely treated by the soldiers at San 
Juan. He died on August 4th, and v\'as buried on the 6th, by Fr. 
Zalvidea.** 

Fr. Francisco Javier de la Concepcion Uria was born ]\Iay 10, 

1770, at 2 p. m. at Aizarna, villa de Sta. Cruz de Cestona, province 
of Guipuzeoa, Spain. He became a Franciscan, January 13, 1780, at 
S. Sebastian (say-bahs-tee-ahng) ; left Cadiz, May 8, 1795, and came 
to California in 1797. After serving at San Fernando in 1797-1805, 
he retired accredited by his superiors with distinguished merit and 
ability.* Padre Uria was stout in physique, jolly in manner. 



*Bancroft, III, 621-622. 
**Bancroft, II, 200; 347; 555. 

*He came back at the end of 1807, serving at Sta. Cruz, 1808; Sta. Ines, 
1808-1824; Soledad, 1823-1828, and S. Buenaventura, 1828-183-t. 

Page Fifty-three 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

addicted to pleasantries and jokes, kind-hearted and well liked. He 
was an excellent manager of temporal atifairs and was noted for his 
generosity, especially to the Indians. In his last illness he went to 
Santa Barbara, where he died at the house of ( 'apt. Guerra in Novem- 
ber or December. 1884. and was buried in the vault of the mission 
church by P. Jimeno.** 

Isidoro Barcenilla came to California in ]797, was one of the 
founders of Mission San Jose and served there as minister from 
June 11, 1797, till April. 1802. After leaving San Jose in 1802, he 
lived at San Francisco a few months, and then went to San Gabriel, 
where he lived until his departure. He was regarded as an intel- 
ligent and zealous missionary. San Gabriel. Lib. Mission, MS.* 

Juan Norberto de Santiago came to Mexico from Spain in 1785, 
and was sent to California the next year. His signature appears in 
the books of San Francisco often in 1786-7. but his only regular 
ministry was at San Juan Capistrano from 1789 to 1810. He sailed 
with Carranza (kahr-rahng-thah) on the San Carlos and was cap- 
tured by the insurgents at San Bias. In February, 1811, he writes 
to the president from Guadalajara that he has been through great 
dangers.** 

Jose de Miguel came to California in 1790, served at Santa Bar- 
bara from June of that year until October. 1798, when he was allowed 
to retire to Mexico on account of ill health, returned in 1800 and 
served at San Luis Obispo until September, 1803, and at San Gabriel 
from 1803 to 1813. He died on June 2, 1814, at San Fernando, and 
was buried by Padre Olbes.* 

Fr. Jose Manuel de Martiareua was born at Renteria (raing-tai- 
ree-ah), in Guipuzcoa (gee-pooth-koh-ah). Spain, in 1754, became a 
Franciscan at Zacatecas (thah-kah-tay-kahs), in 1788, came to San 
Fernando College in 1791, and to California in 1794. He served 
at San Antonio from June, 1794, to June, 1795, at Soledad until May, 
1797, at San Juan until July, 1800, at San Francisco until August, 
1801, and again at San Juan.** 

Fr. Antonio Urresti came to California in August. 1804, served 
at San Gabriel till September, 1806, at Santa Barbara to August. 
1809, and at San Fernando to his death, January 5, 1812.* 

Fr. Jose Maria de Zalvidea was born at Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain, 
on March 2, 1780. He received the habit of St. Francis on December 
13, 1798, and came to the College of San Fernando, Mexico, in Sep- 
tember, 1804. He arrived in California in August. 1805. and was 
stationed successively at San Fernando, in 1805-06. San Gabriel in 
1806-26, at San Juan Capistrano in 1826-42. and at San Luis Rey in 

**Baiicroft, III, 659. 
*Baneroft, II, 114. 
♦•Bancroft, II, 110. 
♦Bancroft, II, 355. 
♦♦Bancroft, II, 153-154. 
♦Bancroft, II, 357. 

Page Fifty-four 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

1842-1846 From the first he was regarded l>y his superiors as one 
of the best or most zealous of the Fathers, as priest, teaeher, and 
manager of temporalities. Fr. Zalvidea's great fiekl of labor was at 
San Gabriel, where he toiled incessantly for twenty years with the 
greatest success, to build up the temporal interests of the mission, 
but he never thereby neglected spiritual affairs. "He was doubt- 
less in those days a model missionary," says Bancroft, "and then 
and later was regarded by the common people as a saint." He gave 
much attention to viticulture at San Gabriel, being the first to intro- 
duce this industry on a large scale. He wrote a diary of an explora- 
tion in 1806. and in 1827 a petition in behalf of the Indians. Fr. 
Zalvidea was well versed in the native tongue in which he was accus- 
tomed to preach at San Gabriel.* There is no evidence that he ever 
had an enemy, or said an unkind Vvord of any man. He refused to 
quit San Luis Rey, where he believed his services to be needed, but 
finally it was thought best to remove him to San Juan. A cart was 
prepared with all possible conveniences, by advice of Fr. Oliva and 
Apollinaria Lorenzana, who had nursed him for some days. The 
night before his journey was to be made Fr. Zalvidea died. He was 
buried in the Mission church at the left side of the altar. The date 
is not known, but it was apparently early in 1846.** He was a 
tall man, of fine presence and fair complexion, always courteous in 
his manner, with a smile and kind v^'ord for all, and never annoyed 
by the presence of others. 

Ramon Olbes was born at Ateca in Aragon. Spain. February 8. 
1786. Took the habit at Zaragoza, January 1. 1802. and arrived at 
San Fernando (College on June 10, 1810. He started for California 
July 1, 1811, but on account of sickness and trouble arising from the 
insurrection, he did not reach his destination until a year later. 
He served at Sta. Ines (ee-nays) in 1812-13. at Sta. Barbara (sahng- 
tah bahr-bar-rah) 1813-16, at S. Luis Rey (sahng loo-ees rrayee) in 
1816-18, and at Sta. Cruz (sahng-tah krooth) from June, 1818, to 
November. 1821. Olbes was regarded by his superior as having 
much ability, energy and great usefulness as a missionary. In 
November, 1821. he went to Mexico on account of ill-health.* 

Fr. Luis Gil y Taboada was one of the few Mexican Fernan- 
dinos, though of Spanish parentage. He was born at Guanajuato 
(goo-ah-nah-hoo-ah-toh) May 1, 1773, becoming a Franciscan at 
Pueblito de Queretaro in 1792. joining the San Fernando College in 
1800, and being sent to California in 1801. He served as a mis- 
sionarv at San Francisco in 1801-2. 1804-5. 1819-20. at San Jose in 
1802-4, Santa Ines in 1806-10. Santa Barbara in 1810-12, San Gabriel 
in 1813-14. Purisima in 1815-17, San Rafael in 1817-19. Santa Cruz 
in 1820-30. and San Luis Obispo in 1820. 1830-3. Fr. Gil was a 
zealous missionarv, but he Avas often in bad health. In 1814 he 



*Hugo Eeid. 
**Bancroft V, 620-623. 
^Bancroft, II. 625. 

Page Fifty. five 




SAN GABRIEL MISSION CH U RCH — M Al N ALTAR. 

From This Antique Retablo With Its Graceful. Charming Madonna and the Odd 

Statue of the Archangel, the Whole Sacred Place Derives that Mystical 

Air Which Lures the Visitor and Arouses His Keenest Imagination. 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

blessed the corner-stone of the Los Angeles ehurdi. fii 1817 he was 
the founder of San Rafael (rrah-fah-ail). being- thus the first to 
introduce Christianity north of the bay. In 1821 he was asked to 
become pastor of Los Angeles, declining on account of ill-health. 
He w'as a man of much nervous energy and considerable executive 
ability, with a certain skill in medicine, and a knowledge of several 
Indian languages. To his neophytes he Avas indulgent and was well 
liked by them. In December. 1833. at the Rancho of Santa ]\Iar- 
garita (mahr-gah-ree-tah) where he had gone to say JNIass for the 
Indians occupied in planting, he was attacked by dysenterj^ and died 
on the 15th. He Avas buried the next day in the Mission church on 
the Gospel side near the presbytery, by P. Juan Cabot.* 

Fr. Pedro Munoz was born at Puerto de Banos .Extremadura 
(poo-aij'-toh day bah-nyohs ays-tray-mah-doo-rah), Spain, on July 19, 
1773. took the habit June 10. 1793. became a member of the College 
Bien Parada (bee-en pah-rah-dah) and after completing his studies 
and taking the difiPerent orders was ordered to San Fernando, sail- 
ing from Cadiz. June 10. 1803. and arriving September 9th. He 
left the college in April. 1804. He served at San Miguel from Octo- 
ber. 1804, to July, 1807, and at San Fernando till November. 1807. 
having been at San Francisco temporarily also for six months in 
1808. He made several expeditions into the interior, the most im- 
portant being that with IMoraga. in 1806, into the Tulares Valley, 
of Avhich he has left a diarj'. He retired on account of ill-health.* 

Fr. Vicente Pascual w^as born July 3. 1780, at ]\Iartin del Rio 
Aragon (mahr-teen dayl rree-oh ah-rah-gohng). and became a Fran- 
ciscan at the convent of Nra. Sra. de Jesus in Zaragoza. February 1. 
1799. He came to Mexico in 1810. and started for California in 
1811, but w^as delayed on account of the revolution and by a serious 
illness at Acapulco (ah-kah-pool-koh). and did not arrive until 
August, 1813. He served at San Carlos, as supernumerary, in 1813- 
14. at San Fernando 1814-15, at San Francisco in 1815-19, at San 
Miguel 1819-20, at San Diego 1820-46. and at San Juan Capistrano 
in 1846-8. Ordinary merit, good application, and a certain ability 
as preacher were the qualities accredited to him by his superiors. 
He died without receiving the Sacraments, on January 2. 1848. as 
the rains prevented Fr. Ordaz from arriving in time, but Fr. Ordaz 
buried him in the presbytery of the ^Mission church.* 

Fr. Antonio ^lenendez vras a Spaniard and a Dominican friar 
from Low^er California. He served for six years as chaplain at dif- 
ferent places. After 1825 he was assigned as chaplain of the Troop 
in San Diego. Finally he died, chaplain of the Presidio in Santa 
Barbara, and was buried at the IMission church in April or August, 
1832.* 



^Baneroft, II, 357. 
^Bancroft. V, 623. 
^Bancroft. Ill, 681. 
*Baiifroft. IV, 738. 

Page Fifty -seven 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Fr. Autonid Catarino Rodriguez was one of the few Mexican 
friars in California before 1830, having^been born at San Luis Potosi, 
in 1777, on January 1st. He took the habit of St. Francis at the 
convent in his native city, where he served as convent preacher, 
vicar, master of novices, and professor of moral philosophy. He 
became a member of the College of San Fernando in August, 1808. 
and arrived at Monterey, June 22, 1809. His missionary service 
was at Santa Cruz till 1811, at San Luis Obispo till 1821, and at 
Purisima till his death in 1824. He died, however, at San Luis 
Obispo on November 24th, and was buried in the church of the mis- 
sion. He excelled greatly as a preacher to gente de razon. His 
virtues and kindness of disposition caused him to be well liked by 
the Indians. In person he was very (-orpulent, with prominent eyes, 
and heavv face.* 



^Bancroft. II. 580. 



Page Fifty -eight 



CHAPTER XIV 

THE FRANCISCAN FATHERS 

Continued 

Fr. Francisco Gonzalez de Ybarra was a native of Viana (vee-ah- 
nah). Spain, born in 1782. He became a Franciscan in the province 
of Biirgos (boor-gohs), came to Mexico in 1819. and to California in 
1820. He was regarded at the time of his arrival as a promising mis- 
sionary, active and of fair talent. After visiting San Luis Obispo, 
he became minister of San Fernando, where he served i'rom 1820 to 
1835. when he retired to Mexico. He came back in time to perform 
the burial .service of Padre Cabot, in October, 1836, but Jiothing more 
is known of him until 1839, from which date he served at San Luis 
Rey, until his death in 1842. His death was a sudden one from 
apoplexy. Mofras speaks of the deplorable condition of this Father, 
whom he saw forced to sit at the administrator's table and listen to 
the ribaldry of majordomos and vaqueros, who would have thought 
themselves lucky a few years before to be the Father's servants. 
He was liked by the Indians at San Luis Rey, and was called by 
them Tequedeuma, indicating a plain, unassuming man. At San 
Fernando he was known as an efficient manager, and was not an 
unpopular man. Mrs. Ord remembers him as jolly and full of fun.* 

Fr. Felix Caballero was a Dominican friar of the Lower Cali- 
fornia. This famous missionary of the frontier crossed the line to 
California in 1823, 1829, 1833. and doubtless on other occasions. 
Duhout-Cilly mentions the coming of Fr. Caballero in June, 1829, to 
consult about the expulsion.* 

An interesting expedition may be noted here. We allude to the 
expedition of Captain Jose Romero to California and back by way 
of the Colorado from Tucson, Sonora. The object was to explore a 
permanent route of communication between the two provinces, and 
Romero with a small force of eleven men was accompanied by Padre 
Felix Caballero, a Dominican friar of Lower California. At the 
crossing of the Colorado and later the Indians were hostile and stole 
all the horses, but after great suffering the party arrived by a 
southern route at the frontier peninsular mission in July, 1823, the 
report having reached Tucson that all had been killed. The ex- 
plorers were fed and clothed, and Romero was summoned to Mon- 
terey for consultation with the governor as to the best way to get 
back to Sonora. Romero left Monterey the 10th of October for San 
Gabriel to prepare for his return, Arguello having issued orders to 
officers and padres that every assistance was to be offered. After 
two months of diligent correspondence about men and guns and 



^Bancroft, IV. 622, 628 
'Bancroft, II. 739. 



Page Fifty-nine 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

rations and animals, about forty men iindfr Lieutenant Estudiilo 
were equipped as an escolta, and the march began the 15th of De- 
cember. On account of various mishaps they did not leave San 
BernardiiKi until ("hristnuis. and suliseciuently lost their way and 
wandered in mountains and deserts without water for their animals, 
till the enil of -January, when they returned to San Gabriel.* 

Fr. Tomas ^lancilla -Avas a Dominican from Lower California. 
He was in San Diego in 1829-1830.** 

Fr. Jesus Maria Martinez was a Dominican from Lower Cali- 
fornia. He administered in San Gabriel in 1831-2. j 

Fr. Francisco Cuculla was a Dominican friar of Lower Cali- 
fornia. He served at San Gabriel in 1831-82.1 

Fr. I\Iariano Sosa was a Dominican friar from Lower California. 
He was stationed in San Gabriel in 1831-32. S 

Frs. Patrick Short and Bachelot had been exiled V)y I'rotestant 
influence from the Hawaiian Islands, and came to California in 1832. 
Both served at San Gabriel from 1832 to 1836. In 1834-36 Fr. 
Short was an associate of Hartnell in his school near Monterey. He 
left California in 1837 and went to Valparaiso, where he still 
lived in 1870. The two, with a companion, had arrived at the 
Islands in July, 1827. from France, to establish Catholic missions; 
but pre.iudice was aroused against their teachings, largely, it is 
believed, through the intrigues of Protestant missionaries, and in 
December, 1831, they were banished, "because their doings are dif- 
ferent from ours, and because we cannot agree," as King Kaahua- 
mann stated it. They sailed on the Waverly, Summer, master, 
which landed them at San Pedro on January 21. 1832, whence they 
were taken to San Gabriel and kindly treated. There is not much 
to be said of their stay in California. Bachelot remained at San 
Gabriel as assistant minister, his name appearing often in the mis- 
sion registers. Fr. Short soon came north, and he was engaged with 
Fr. Hartnell in an educational enterprise at ^lonterey in 1834. An 
order came from Mexico to expel them as Jesuits and as having no 
papers ; but the governor did not force it. In 1837. however, 
although the ayuntamiento of Los Angeles made an effort to retain 
him as curate, Fr. Bachelot. accompanied by Fr. Short, sailed on the 
Clementina, and landed at the Islands in April. Persecutions were 
renewed, from which they were relieved by the French and English 
navigators Petit-Thouars and Belcher. Fr. Short sailed in Octolier 
for Valparaiso, and Fr. Bachelot soon departed for the S(mt]i Sea 
Islands, dying on the voyage, in 1838.** 

Fr. Alexis Bachelot was a French missionary prefect of the 



^Bancroft, IT. 507, 508. 

**Engelhai'dt. The Franciscans in California. 241. 

tBancroft, IV, 734. 

tBancroft, II, 772. 

§Baneroft, V, 727. 

=^*Bancroft. Ill, 317, 318. 



Page Sixty 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Sandwich Islands. He served at San Gabriel in 1882-87: retired to 
the Islands in 1837. and died in 1838. on a voyage to the Sonth Sea 
Islands* 

Fr. Toinas Eleuterio Estenega (or Estenaga) was born in the 
province of Vizeaya about 1790. became a Franciscan at Cantabria, 
eanie to Mexico College in 1810. and to California in 1820. After 
remaining for a few months as snpernnmerary he served at San 
Miguel in 1820-1. at San Francisco in 1821-33. and at San Gabriel in 
1833-47. Prefect Payeras described him soon after his arrival as a 
pious and Avorthy missionary, but in bad health. Estenega was tall, 
slender, and of fair complexion, but bad health always impaired his 
usefulness, though there Avas an improvement after his transfer to 
the south. He was generally vrell liked by his neophytes, and not 
unpopular with others. Though declining to take the oath to repub- 
licanism he promised obedience to the government. In 1832-3 he 
served temporarily for several months at San Rafael. I found no 
trace of him in the mission register of San Gabriel after 1845. and 
rather strangely, no record of his death. But it appears that he 
died there early in 1847. since the juez on May 8th, writes of what 
the "late" Padre Estenega did "over two months ago."* 

It is not strange that no record of his death is found in San 
Gabriel since he did not die there. Consequently the argument 
drawn from the testimony of the juez (hoo-aith) who vrrote of what 
the "late" Padre Estenega did "over two months ago," has no 
force at all. 

It is evident that Fr. Estenega died in San Fernando and was 
buried in the ^Mission church. He probably died in 1845 or 1846, 
since Dona Ignacia Villa de Lopez (eeg-nah-thee-ah veel-lya day loh- 
peyth) who attended his death, died two years later in 1847. 

It is interesting to hear the accurate and exact statement given 
to the author by Dona Catarina Lopez and Dona IMaria de las 
Angustias Jeremias. the former. 78 years old. the latter 82 years old, 
both of vv'hom still live and reside in San Fernando. Fr. Estenega. 
being quite sick. Avas removed from San Gabriel to San Fernando 
by his friends. Don Juan ^Manso and Don Jose Arnas. both of whom 
Avere hombres de razon (ohm-brays day raah-thohng), in the hope 
that, by this change the sickly Father might recover. Their hopes. 
hoAvever. Avere soon banished, because Fr. Estenega died a fcAV 
months later. During this period he Avas attended by Don Alfredo. 
a French doctor from Los Angeles. 

Fr. Estenega Avas administered by Fr. Bias Ordaz. Before re- 
ceiving the Viaticum he rose from his death bed and approached 
a temporary altar built in his room, and Avith a loud voice, he ex- 
claimed : "I have served at San Gabriel and Los Angeles, for fifteen 
years. Should T. during this time have scandalized or offended any 

"Bancroft. ]I. 706. 
"Bancroft, V. 629. 

Page Sixty-one 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

one. pei'doiieiiuie por el aiiKU- de Dios" (Forgive me for the love of 
God). Then the erov^'d from San Fernando. San Gabriel and Los 
Angeles ansM'ered, crying. "Si. Padre" (yes. Father), weeping and 
lamenting the Father's approaching departure from this life. He 
then received, on his knees, the Holy ('ommnnion. While in this 
adoring attitude many of those present, saw on the Feather's shoul- 
ders the pitiful marks of his exti*eme mortification, lit' afterwards 
was buried in the Mission church near the sanctuary. 

Fr. Antonio Maria Jimenez del Recio. 1791-1800. was chaplain 
on one of the San Bias transports. He was of Mexican origin, and 
served at San Gabriel and was curate of Los Angeles from 1848 to 
1858. Fr. Estenega was assisted by the presbyter. Antonio Maria 
Jimenez. Fr. Jimenez died in San Gabriel in 1853.* 

Fr. Jose Maria Rosales was a secular priest and his signature 
appears in the mission books in 1849. two or three times. 

Fr. Jose Joaquin Jimeno was born in the City of Mexico on 
November 30. 1804. He made his profession at the apostolic col- 
lege of San Fernando in the same city in 1824. and was ordained 
priest in 1827. He was sent to California in 1827 or 1828. He was 
stationed at San Luis Rey. in 1827-30. at Santa Cruz in 1830-33. at 
Santa Ines in 1833-1850, at San Gabriel in 1850-53. and at Santa Bar- 
bara in 1854-56. From 1838 he was president of the Fernandinos, 
vicar-general in 1838-39, and comisario pref ecto after Fr. Duran 's 
death in 1846. In 1844 he founded the Santa Ines Seminary, and 
was its rector until 1850. In 1854 he founded the College of Our 
Lady of Sorrows at Santa Barbara, and was its president until his 
•death. He died on March 15, 1856. after a painful sickness lasting 
six months, and was buried in one of the vaults under the mission 
church. Padre Joaquin resembled Fr. Antonio (his brother) in 
most respects, though somewhat shorter in stature and less affable or 
more reserved in manner, and was a very zealous missionary.* 

Fr. Francisco de Jesus Sanchez entered the Franciscan Order 
as deacon in February. 1837, at the College of Guadalupe. He made 
his solemn profession and became priest in the following year. He 
came to California in 1842. While at Santa Barbara Fr. Sanchez 
held the office of Master of Novices. He was born in Leon. Mexico, 
in 1813. He came to California with the other Zaeatecanos in 1832. 
but nothing is heard of him there until 1842. when he became the 
missionary of San Buenaventura. Bancroft thinks Fr. Sanchez 
remained l)ehind in Lower California while the other Fathers pro- 
ceeded to I^pper California. Fr. Francisco was stationed at San 
Buenaventura in 1842-43, and again in 1852-53 ; at Santa Ines in 
1844-50, M^here he was vice-rector of the seminary. In 1874 Fr. 
Sanchez vvnth Fr. Codina and Brother Joseph O'Malley took charge 
of the diocesan orphan asylum for boys at Pajaro. He remained 



^Bancroft, IV, 692. fi.Si 
'Baneroft, IV, 692. 



Page Sixty -three 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

there until 187!», Avlien he returned to Santa Barbara, where lie died 
on April 17, 1884. The body of Fr. Sanchez was interred in the 
mission vaults.* 

AVe may truly say tliat Fr. Sanchez was the most celel)rated and 
universally liked among the Franciscan missionaries in the last 
period of their life and existence in the Old Missions of California. 
So faithfully went he around all the missions and churches conduct- 
ing missions, instructing the ignorant and poor and administering 
the Sacraments that, even now, there is no middle-aged Calif ornian 
or jMexican wiio does not remember, with joy. the lovely counte- 
nance and the ai)Ostolic works of the most popubii- Fr. Sanchez. 



■Engelhardt, The Franeiseans in Califoniia, 3()2, 458. 



Page Sixty-four 



CHAPTER XV 

The Graves of our Fathers — Franciscans 
Interred in San Gabriel 

It is also of no little interest to note in passing the names and 
lives of the Fathers Avho died at their post while serving the mission 
and whose venerable remains were laid to rest in the sanctuary of 
this Mission church. 

FR. MIGUEL SANCHEZ, died July 28, 1803. Time of service, 28 
years. Buried by Fr. Juan Jose de Santiago. 

FR. ANTONIO CRUZADO, died October 12, 1804. Time of service, 
33 years. Buried by Fr. Francisco Dumetz. 

PR. FRANCISCO DUMETZ, died January 15, 1811. Time of ser- 
vice, 6 years. Buried by Fr. Jose Ma. de Zalvidea. 

FR. FRANCISCO ROMAN FERNANDEZ DE ULLIBARRI, died 

June 16, 1821. Buried by Fr. Jose Ma. de Zalvidea. 
FR. JOAQUIN PASCUAL NUEZ, died December 31, 1821. Time 

of service, 7 years. Buried by Fr. Vicente Pascual Oliva. 
FR. JERONIMO BOSCANA, died July 6, 1831. Time of service, 

5 years. Buried by Fr. Jose Sanchez. 
FR. JOSE BERNARDO SANCHEZ, died January 16, 1833. Buried 

by Fr. Yincente P. Oliva. 
FR. BLAS ORDAZ, died November 11, 1850. Time of service, 3 

years. Buried by Fr. Jose Joaquin Jimeno. 
FR. ANTONIO MARIA JIMENEZ DEL RECIO, died 1853. 

Fr. Francisco M. Sanchez was a native of Aragon, and of the 
Franciscan province of San Miguel. He left IMexico in October, 
1770, and sailed from Tepic in February, 1771. He was one of the 
company driven by adverse winds to Manzanillo, Avhence he re- 
turned overland to Sinaloa. and finally reached Loreto, November 
24, 1771. He was assigned to the mission of Todos Santos; and in 
August, 1773, when the other Franciscans came north, he was left 
by Palou at Loreto to attend to sending forward some cattle. He 
started northward in April, 1774, left Yelicata in August with 
Ijieutenant Ortega, and arrived at San Diego, September 26th. He 
was minister of San Gabriel from September, 1775, though from 
1790 to 1800 he spent most of his time at San Diego, Santa Clara, 
and Soledad, visiting also San Francisco, San Jose, and San Luis 
Obispo. In 1797, with a view of retirement, he asked for and ob- 
tained from the governor a certificate of his missionary services; 
but he decided to remain in the country, and finally died with 
asthma at San Gabriel, July 28, 1803. He was buried by Padre 

Page Sixty -five 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Santiago iu the Mission church under the steps of the main altar on 
the Epistle side. San Gabriel Lib. Mission, MS. 27.* 

Fr. Antonio Cruzado Vv^as a native of Alcarazegos, bishopric of 
Cordova, Andalusia, and was born in 1725. Coming to Mexico be- 
fore 1748, he served in the Sierra Gorda missions for twenty-two 
years, was assigned to California in August, 1770, sailed from San 
Bias January 21, 1771, and arrived at San Diego, March 12th, and 
again July 14th, after a trip by sea to Monterey. He was assigned 
to San Buenaventura, but that foundation being postponed, he re- 
mained at San Gabriel as supernumerary from November, 1771. until 
May, 1772, and as regular minister from that date until his death, 
which occurred on October 12, 1804. He was seventy-nine years 
old, and had labored for fifty-five years as missionary in America. 
He received the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, the others being- 
omitted on account of his feeble condition, at the hands of Fr. 
Francisco Dumetz, who had come to California on the same vessel 
with him, and who buried him in the Mission church. San Gabriel 
Lib. Mission, MS. 28.* 

Fr. Francisco Dumetz was a native of Mallorca, was appointed 
to the California missions in August, 1770, sailed with ten compan 
ions from San Bias, January 21, 1771, and arrived at San Diego, 
March 12th. He served at San Diego until May, 1772, at San Carl >s 
until May, 1782, at San Buenaventura until August, 1797, at San 
Fernando until 1802, again in 1804-5, and at San Gabriel in 180i-4, 
and from 1806 to 1811. In 1772 and 1775 he had made trips d Avn 
to Velicata to obtain supplies. He was buried by Fr. Zalvidea on 
January 16, 1811, the day after his death. He appears to havr: b( en 
an efficient and zealous worker. Yet his fame must live in Califor- 
nia chiefly as the latest survivor of the early friars and in his name 
applied by Vancouver to a point on the coast. Romero (roh-may- 
roh), however, tells us that Dumetz was tall, stout, of light com- 
plexion and addicted to the use of snuff.* 

Fr. Francisco Roman Fernandez de Ullibarri was born February 
28, 1773, at Ali, near Vitoria, Spain. He became a Franciscan in 
1794, at Vitoria, sailed from Cadiz, June 20, 1803, and arrived at the 
College of San Fernando on September 9th. Here he worked irreg- 
ularly on account of broken health for some five years, when he vol- 
unteered for the California service, arriving at Monterey, June 22, 
1809. His health was better in his new field, and he served at San 
Juan Bautista till 1815, at Santa Ines till 1819, being, however, at 
Purisima temporarily in 1818-19, and at San Fernando till 1821. 
His disease was hemorrhage of the lungs, of which he came near 
dying in Feb., 1821, at which time he was urged to go to San Gabriel 



*Baucroft, II, 113-U4. 
*Bancroft, II, 113. 
*Bancroft, II, 3.55. 



Page Sixty-six 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

but refused. He changed his mind later, for he died and was buried 
at San Gabriel on June 16th. San Gabriel Lib. Mission, MS. 3fi.* 

Fr. Joaquin Paseual Nuez was born February 20, 1785, at Lueo, 
de la Rivera de Daroca, Spain, took the habit of St. Francis in the 
convent at Calatayud, Sept. 24, 1800; sailed from Cadiz, March 20. 
1810. arrived at the College of San Fernando, June 20th, and was 
ordered to California, July 1. 1811. His journey was impeded by 
the insurrection and he Vv^as detained several months at Acapulco 
by a pestilence, but arrived in Lower California in April, and at 
his destination in July, 1812. He served at San Fernando from 
August of that year until March, 1814, and at San Gabriel during 
the rest of his life. In person Nuez was tall, slender and fair- 
skinned. He was a good man, loved by all; and though young he 
was regarded by his prelate as a missionary of more than ordinary 
ability and promise. His activity was notable in his frequent pas- 
toral visits to the pueblo and ranchos. His illness lasted twenty- 
four days. He received all the Sacraments and w^as buried in the 
Mission church on December 31. 1821. Certificate of Oliva, in San 
Gabriel Lib. IMission, MS. 37-8. Senan in one record gives the date 
of his death, December 26, 1821.* 

Fr. Geronimo Boscana was born on May 23, 1776, at Llumayor, 
Island of Mallorca, and took the Franciscan habit in the convent of 
Jesus extra muros, at Palma on August 4, 1792. After acting for 
nearly four years as professor of belles lettres, he started for 
America, June 5, 1803 ; arrived at Mexico, October 24th, started for 
California, February 17, 1806, and landed at Monterey, June 6th. 
His missionary service was at Soledad in 1806, at Purisima in 
1806-11, at San Luis Key in 1812-13. at San Juan Capistrano in 
1814-26, and at San Gabriel in 1826-31. His chief ministry was at 
San Juan Capistrano, where he devoted much study to the manners 
and customs of the natives, especially their religious traditions. 
His writings on this subject, found among his papers and long in 
possession of Capt. Guerra y Noriega, were published by Robinson 
in 1846, under the title of Chinigehinich. He is described as of less 
than medium stature, fair complexion, considerably bent in his old 
age, an inveterate snuff-taker, but kind-hearted and well liked gen- 
erally. His death occurred on July 6, 1831, and he was buried next 
day in the San Gabriel church on the San Jose side of the pres- 
bytery near the remains of Padre Nuez. San Gabriel Lib. Mission. 
MS. 40.* 

Fr. Jose Bernardo Sanchez was born September 7, 1778, at 
Robledillo. Spain, and became a Franciscan in the convent of N. 
Sra. Sta. Maria de Gracia at San IMiguel, Supra Tagum, Oct. 9, 1794. 
Leaving Spain in February, 1803, he reached his college in Mexico 
in August, and came to California in 1804. He serA^ed at San Diego 
in 1804-20, at Purisima in 1820-21, and at San Gabriel in 1821-33, 



*Ban('roft, II, 569. 
Page Sixty seven 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

until his death on Jan. 16. 1833. Tn 1817-20 he was regarded by his 
superiors as of distinguished merit, and ability far above the aver- 
age, but was suflferiug and in hopes of early retirement. In 1821 he 
went with Payeras on an exploring and baptizing tour among Gen- 
tile raneherias. From 1827 to 1831 he held the high position of 
president, performing its difficult duties with great credit. He is 
described as fair and fat, of lively disposition, generous and hos- 
pitable, Avith a multitude of friends of all classes. He was an able 
manager of temporal affairs, and took great pride in the prosperity 
of his mission, being greatly disappointed and perhaps soured by 
the disastrous results of secularization, against which he had strug- 
gled in vain. Mofras says that Fr. Sanchez died of grief at the 
ruin of the mission through secularization. His body Avas buried on 
January 16. 1833. by Padre Oliva at the foot of the altar in the 
presbyterv of the Mission church. San Gabriel Lib. Mission, MS. 
40.* 

Fr. Bias Ordaz was born in Castilla la Nueva. Spain, about 
1792. and came to California in 1820. He was stationed at San 
Francisco in 1820-23 ; from there he accompanied Arguello on his 
famous expedition to the north, of which trip he wrote a diary. In 
1820-22 Fr. Ordaz was at San Miguel, 1823-33 at Santa Ines and 
Purisima, in 1833-38 at San Buenaventura, at San Fernando in 
1838-47. and at San Gabriel in 1847-50. Fr. Bias was a lively and 
good-natured man.** He was buried with great solemnity, in the 
sanctuary, on the Gospel side. 

Fr. Antonio Maria Jimenez was a native of Mexico, and a secu- 
lar priest. He assisted Fr. Estenega at San Gabriel and was curate 
of Los Angeles from 1844. He died in San Gabriel in 1853.*** 



***Bancroft, IV. 692. 
**Bancroft, IV, 759. 
^Bancroft, II, 567. 
^Bancroft, III, 641, 642. 
^Bancroft, III, 642. 



Page Sixty -eight 



CHAPER XVI 

San Gabriel, a True Promised Land — the 
Ideal Land of Wealth and Plenty 

MISCELLANEOUS DATA 

The following statements taken from the mission records -iid 
other sources show the progress of the mission during the peri( d ol 
its jn'osperity. 



Sept.8, 
1771. 

Dec.31. 
1773 


Apr. 


Feb. 


Dec. 


Dec. 


Dec. 


Dec. 


Dec. 


Dec. 


Dec. 


Dec. 


Dec. 


Dec. 


Nov. 


Dec. 


Dec. 




16, 


31, 


31, 


31. 


i7. 


31, 


31, 


31. 


31, 


31, 


31, 


4, 


31. 


31 


1775 


1776 


1776 


1778 


1779 


1/80 


1781 


1782 


1783 


1784 


1785 


1786 


1787 


1787 


1788 



Baptisms .. 
Marriages 

Deaths 

Population 



Cattle . 
Horses 
Mules . 
Hogs --. 
Sheep . 
Goats - 



Corn 

Wheat .... 

Beans 

Barley --- 

Lentil 

Peas 

Garbanzo- 



Confirmations 



17 
15 
18 
84 
35 

240 
80 
30 



107 
26 
23 



102 
23 
11 
24 
94 
56 

440 

48 



142 
33 
17 
45 

132 
73 

450 

109 

21 

34 



101 
32 
16 



221 

44 

25 

70 

3 

410 

836 
55 
22 



62 

8 

19 

409 

346 

70 

24 

75 

345 

295 

1200 
350 
136 



64 

14 

21 

452 

450 
66 
32 

80 
500 
400 

1070 
640 
166 



197 
16 
63 

570 

500 

69 

30 

76 

820 

416 

1200 
475 
199 



76 

6 

47 

594 

600 

87 

30 

60 

968 

610 



100 
43 
51 



155 178 


78 


143 


19 52 


11 


20 


70 59 


59 


56 


749 843 


857 


935 


900 1200 


1540 


1850 


150 141 


162 


204 


41 39 


41 


53 


140 150 


160 


180 



1900|2040|2400|2900|3000 
1000|1380 900|1000| 



460 1157511000 

170| |1701|1500 

901 1 1501 201 



700|1200i 

1730120501 

1061 2111 



211 



'111 



631 



181 



130 

31 

71 

1000 

2400 

245 

39 

180 

3200 

1000 

1100 

1380 

73 



Fanega, about 1.60 bushels of grain measure. 



Dec. Dec. Dec. 

31, 31 31 
1789 1790 1791 



Dec. 
31. 
1792 



Dec. 
31, 
1793 



Dec. 
31, 
1794 



Dec. Dec. Dec, 
31. 31, 31, 
1795 1796 1797 



Dec. 

31, 
1798 



Dec. Dec. Dec. 

31, 31, 31. 

1799 1800 1801 



Baptisms . 
Marriages 

Deaths 

Population 



Cattle 
Horses 
Mules 
Hogs - 
Sheep 
Goats .. 
Corn .. 



Wheat --. 

Beans 

Barley ... 

Lentil 

Peas 

Garbanzo. 
Habas . 



132 


169 


238 


108 


116 


27 


42 


46 


25 


32 


84 


124 


107 


87 


99 


1044 


1078 


1204 


1219 


1225 


2890 


3800 


4523 


4750 


5050 


301 


401 


471 


615 


730 


35 


47 


39 


38 


41 


190 


225 


200 


180 


160 


3578 


4980 


6276 


7250 


8500 


830 


418 


900 


550 


280 


1700 


1600 


1680 


1600 


400 


3084 


2375 


3700 


2730 


19901 



107 
35 
69 

1260 



1321 

181 
811 



141| 
24 
93 



5500 5800| 6090 
795 9151 960 



43 

150 



45 44 

80| 100 

90501 9200|1 0.546 

3001 280] 201 

800 1300 1000 



93 1 

20| 
96| 



1011 

41 

105 



100| 131 

33 9 

151 236 



102 

44 
101 



12901 1331 13161 13111 12541 1136| 1129 



62001 6060] 6000 

1160| 12101 1160 

50| 68| 80 

150| 200| 200 

11350|11500|11000 

2901 240| 118 

300 8001 800 



II 12 



4] 34| 

]7| 30| 

11 291 



13| 
151 



12 



59001 6000 

1120 1340 

80 100 

180| 240 

12100|12500 

801 40 

2000 1897 



4000 
274 



3696 
165 



1 
19 

2 



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Page Seventy-one 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

In 1812 the San Gal)riel Mission enjoyed a private school. 

In 1814 the mission numbered 175 inhabitants of razon (intel- 
ligent people), a term applied to the Europeans. 

Bandini talks of 80.000 cattle; Kol)inson of 120,000. It has 
been the custom in current newspaper articles to grossly exaggerate 
the wealth and prosperity of this mission, though doubtless luider 
the care of Fr. Zalvidea it was most prosperous and most systemati- 
cally managed. 

The mission lands in 1822 extended south three leagues to Sant;i 
Grertrudis ; southwest, six leagues to San Pedro ; west, one and one- 
half leagues; north, two leagues; eastward, seven-ninths league 
into the mountains and toward the Colorado, including tlie pagan 
settlement of San Bernardino ; and fifteen leagues northeast. In 
a report of 1828 there are named as mission ranchos. La Puente, 
Santa Ana, Jurupe, San Bernardino, San Timoteo, San Gorgonio. 
four sites on the San Gabriel and also lands between the pueblo ;iii(l 
San Rafael. 

In 1834 there were 163,579 vines in four vineyards and 2333 
various fruit trees. 

In 1842 the mission was valued at over two million dollai-s. 
Finally from September, 1771, to January 1. ISO!), the records 
show^ : Baptisms, 14,607; coiifinnations, 426!); marriages, 2841; 
deaths, 9675. 

In 1843 the property was restored to the Padres after haxing 
been confiscated. 

Yet in 1845 the government resolved to i-ent the estates. The 
land therefore was turned to the Comisionndos. 

In 1845 only 250 Indians remained. 

When the property w^as restored to Father Estenega there were 
only 72 cattle and 700 sheep. 

In June, 1846, the mission estate was sold by tlu^ government 
to Reed and Workman for past aid and service. 

Later the title was declared invalid. 

While San Gabriel was one of the central places of meeting, 
it exercised a great influence over the surrounding missions and also 
;iided largely in the encouragement of industries in genernl. In 
1819 the poultry industry was in a flourishing condition. 

Among these industries were a soap factory, a shoe shop, a 
carpenter shop, a candle factory, a poAvder factory, a tannery, a 
harness shop and brick kiln. As early as 1804 San Gabriel had a 
loom mill and in 1819 a water mill and later on saw and flour mills. 
In 1780 an adobe hospital 28x5 1-3 varas was built. A w.'ird 110x6 
and a litlle cha])el 31x5 Avere added to il in 1815. 



Bancroft, ITT, r.42, (HP.; IT, .'i(i7, 568. 

I Page Seventy -two 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

It is remarkable and yet not to be wondered al tliat the mortal- 
ity among the Indians was very great. The sudden change from 
their roaming life to these sedentary habits rendered them ineapal)le 
of resisting diseases and frequently plagues visited the mission. 

As a complement of this chapter we shall offer this statement 
made by the Los Angeles Star in 1852, which, though slightly ex- 
aggerated, sets forth the spirit in which the mission and its work 
was received by the public : 

"Situated in the .midst of a fertile valley, surrounded with 
abundant timber and supplied by a thousand springs with an inex- 
haustible flow of water, the Mission of San Gabriel flourished and 
became exceedingly rich. Authentic records are said to exist which 
show that at one time the mission branded fifty thousand calves, 
manufactured three thousand barrels of wine and harvested one 
hundred thousand fanegas of grain a year. 

"The timber for a brigantine was cut, sawed and fitted at the 
mission and then transported to, and launched at San Pedro. 

"Five thousand Indians were at one time collected and attached 
1() the mission. They are represented to have been sober and in- 
dustrious, well-clothed, and fed, and they seem to have experienced 
as high a state of happiness as they are adapted by nature to receive. 
These five thousand Indians constituted a large family of which the 
Padres were the social, religious and. we might almost say. political 
heads. Living thus, this vile and degraded race began to learn 
some of the fundamental principles of civilized life. 

"The institution of marriage, respected and blessed by i-eligion, 
grew to be so much considered that deviations from its duties were 
somewhat unfrequent occurrences. 

"The girls, on arriving at the stage of puberty, w(M'e separated 
from the rest of the population and taught the useful arts of sew- 
ing, Aveaving. carding, etc.. and were only permitted to mingle with 
the population when they had assumed the character of VN'ives. 

"Several industries had been developed; in the mission work 
shops, a soap factory was established, besides a shoe shop and a car- 
penter shop. These were operated by converted Indians many of 
whom attained considerable skill in their respective branches. 

"]\Ianufactories too had i)rogressed satisfactorily, making large 
(|uantities of cloth. Iflankets, saddles, etc. 

"Among the Padres were some of artistic tastes, whose leisure 
moments were devoted to carving in wood, liorn or leather, some 
specimens of which were very beautiful. 

"Eventually, the more delicate and sensitive of the natives 
were instructed in the art and some marvelous tracings Avere done 
bv their hands." 



Page Seventy -three 



CHAPTER XVII 
Gloomy Days in San Gabriel Mission 

As in the human body, when a vital organ isntt'ers all others 
suffer with it, so during the political disturbances and troubles in 
Mexico in the critical period of its independence from the mother 
country, the California missions suffered a great loss in their moral 
influence and finances. 

These missions, for their subsistence, depended largely upon the 
government pension, the Pious Fund. This fund was made up of 
the voluntary contributions of the people for the maintenance of the 
California missions. From 1811 to 1813 and from 1828 to 1831 
no funds were turned over to the missions. This worked great 
hardship upon the mission during these years. 

The insecurity of public affairs affected the public spirit to such 
a degree that the Indians became dissatisfied and restless and even, 
at times, rebellious. Public and private ownership being greatly 
disturbed, many were rendered careless and indifferent as to in- 
vestments and improvements, thus greatly hindering public pros- 
perity. 

The most fatal results were those that followed the confisca- 
tion of property in which the missions sustained an almost total loss. 
These ancient landmarks, monuments of public good and valued 
forces of civilization, cjuickly became an easy prey to the grasping 
and ravenous desires of unscrupulous and crafty men. 

Let the sad result of secular administration be contrasted with 
the glorious prospects under the Fathers' administration. 

The San Gabriel Mission while under the care of the Fathers 
counted 3000 Indians, 105,000 oxen, 20,000 horses, 40,000 sheep. 
20,000 fanegas of grain, 500 barrels of wine and brandy, while under 
civil administration it could count only the pitiable sum of 500 
Indians, 700 oxen, 500 horses, 3500 sheep, with the vineyards lying 
in absolute waste.* 

Again, at the time of confiscation there were in the mission 
treasury 100,000 piastres, and in the warehouse for the natives the 
value of 200,000 francs, all of which fell into the hands of un- 
scrupulous secular or civil administrators. 

In a letter of February. 1840, Father Duran quotes Father 
Estenega to the effect that the mission has to su|)port thirty-eight 
white people ; that there is not a candle, no tallow to make a candle 
and not cattle fat enough to supply the tallow. "What a scandal! 



*Bancroft, III, 643-645. 

*'We have already called the readers' attentiou to the exaggerated sta- 
tistics. 

Page Seventy- five 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

aud what a comment on secularization," Father Duran justly ex- 
claims. 

As early as 1841 the cook and cow herd were discharged on 
account of the poverty of the mission.** 

Surely the human sweat of toil and sacrifice was licked up by 
the greed of avarice. Indeed, the lamb was fleeced by the lion. 

At this juncture of our history it is refreshing to hear the words 
of Mr. Wilkes, a member of the exploring expedition of 18-42, sent 
by the government to this frontier country: "At the same time, 
with a change of rulers the country was deprived of the religious 
establishments upon which society and good order were founded. 

"Anarchy and confusion began to reign and the want of author- 
ity Vv'as everywhere felt. Some of the missions were deserted, the 
property which had been amassed in them was dissipated, and the 
Indians turned out to seek their native wilds. This act (he alluded 
to secularization) brought about the ruin of the missions and the 
property that was- still left became a prey to the rapacity of the 
governor." 

Further words concerning this unfortunate matter are found 
in Alexander Forbes' History of Upper California: 

"Much credit is unquestionably due to them (the Fathers), 
and the result exhibits in a striking point of view the efficacy of 
the system followed by the Fathers, more especially when compared 
Avith that adopted by missionaries in other countries. 

"There are, I fear, few examples to be found where men enjoy- 
ing unlimited confidence and power have not abused them, aud yet 
I never heard that the missionaries of California had not acted 
Avith the most perfect fidelity, that they ever betrayed their trust 
caring for humanity: and the testimony of all travelers vrlio have 
visited this country is uniformly to the same effect." 

Not only were the missions VN'antonly confiscated, but even the 
nussionaries themselves were inhumanely treated by those civiJ 
administrators. 

At times in their old age and infirmity, even in sickness, the 
devoted Fathers were denied the necessaries of life. At other times 
they had, as was the case with Father Ramon Abella (rali-mohng 
ah-]3ayl-lyah), at San Luis Obispo Mission, to sleep in an oxhide 
for a bed, to drink out of a horn for a cup, and to have but a fev 
morsels of sun-dried food to eat. 

Many of them died at their posts in these scantily furnished 
missions rather than to forsake them for a more commodious and 
lucrative position. Some became actual martyrs for the cause, as 
was the case of Father Sarria (sah-rree-ah), who died of starvation 
at the Soledad Mission in 1838. When the plundering and devasta- 
tion came upon his mission, the poor Father, who remained with 



**Baiici-oft, I V, G37. 

Page Seventy-six 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

a few Indians, was unable to obtain the necessaries of life. And 
although reduced to the last extremity, he would not abandon the 
remnant of his flock. He had labored among them for over thirty 
years and was now ready to die in their behalf. Broken by years, 
exhausted by hunger, one Sunday morning in August, he gathered 
his faithful followers for the last time. After beginning the Mass, 
this heroic priest fell fainting and expired in the arms of his faithful 
Indian brethren. 

John Russel Barlett, who visited the San Gabriel Mission in 
1852, immediately following these days of sorrow, laments these 
sad endings, yet honors the faithful few in the following words : 

"I saw more Indians about this place (Los Angeles) than in 
any part of California I had yet visited. They were chiefly mission 
Indians, i. e., those who had been connected with the missions and 
had derived their support from them until the suppression of those 
establishments. They are a miserable, squalid-looking set, squatting 
or lying about the corners of the streets with no occupation. 

"They have no means of obtaining a living, as their lands are 
taken from them, and the missions for which they labored and 
which provided after a sort for many thousands of them, are abol- 
ished." 

"The Los Angeles Star" voices much the same sentiment in 
these lines: "When at present we look around and behold the state 
of the Indians of this country, when we see their women degraded 
into a scale of life too menial to be domestics, when we behold their 
men brutalized by drink, incapable of work and following a system 
of petty thievery for a living, humanity cannot refrain from wish- 
ing that the dilapidated Mission of San Gabriel could be renovated, 
its broken walls be rebuilt, its roofless houses be covered and its 
deserted halls be again filled with its ancient, industrious, happy and 
contented original population." 

Finally the author of the "Old Missions of California" adds: 
"San Gabriel suffered sadly from the cruel blow of secularization, 
administered, as it was, at a time wholly premature and ill-advised. 
Secularization was but a synonym for destruction. Such was the 
fate of San Gabriel, the fairest of the Franciscan possessions, the 
generous monastery whose portals were open wide to all the wan- 
derers of its time." 



Page Seventy-seven 



CHAPTER XVIII 

San Gabriel, a Military Post 

One of the unique features in the history of the San Gabriel 
Mission is the place it has filled in the various military affairs of 
the different governments under which it has existed. So important 
and influential has been this place, that it deserves at least a brief 
resume. 

The missionaries, as they went out on their excursions, were 
accompanied by one or more soldiers and, coincident with the estab- 
hardship upon the missions during these years. 

We have seen at the founding of San Gabriel, while the mission- 
aries were deliberating on the most suitable site for the mission, 
that a tumultuous crowd of Indians, headed by their respective 
chief, attacked the founding party, whereupon one of the Fathers 
unveiled a beautiful painting representing Our Lady of Sorrows. 
At this the Indians, dropping their arrows, fell upon their faces, 
presenting their offerings of peace. Thus we might venture to 
say that the San Gabriel Mission was born amidst the turmoils of 
warfare. 

In the morning of its life, we see the soldiers repelling the 
attack of the Indians, who avenged the insult committed by one 
of the resident soldiers. They so successfully shielded themselves 
against the darts of the Indians, and so vigorously attacked them, 
that the Indian chief was the first victim of slaughter. This mili- 
tary post was then re-enforced and the number of soldiers was 
increased. So the garrison at San Gabriel was noteworthy, not only 
for its number, but also for its efficiency in maintaining good order 
in the community. 

San Gabriel was often visited by the chief officers of both 
navy and army. Here was the conference place where those dan- 
gerous and difficult expeditions were planned. The governor him- 
self made lengthy visits here. 

We have seen Fr. Junipero Serra leaving San Gabriel in 1782 
for Monterey, accompanied by a most unusual and remarkable 
party composed of seventy soldiers, one captain, a commander, en- 
signs, an efficient number of sergeants and corporals, and the gov- 
ernor with ten soldiers. 

On the occasion of the sorrowful happening of Eio Colorado 
(Ree-oh Koh-loh-rah-doh), when the two recently founded missions 
were destroyed, the four missionaries slain, Captain Rivera with 
many soldiers killed and the rest taken captive or dispersed, San 
Gabriel was the point from which Lieutenant-Colonel Fages and 

Page Seventy-nine 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

the governor started on their mission to avenge tlie Avrongs at thr 
River Colorado Missions.* 

The Indians about San Gabriel were always notorious for their 
Avarlike disposition and during the various political disturl^ances 
they were quite active in frequent rebellious movements. 

Among other useful industries the Padres in San Gal)riel had a 
powder factory, wdiich manufactured a sufficient supply for, not 
only this garrison, but for many others.* 

This period of political disturbances and repeated rebellions in 
connection also wnth the decrease of the Indian population of the 
mission, closes with the famous San Gabriel battle. This battle was 
one among the many fought between the Californians and the 
Americans. 

This contest, which determined the regaining of Los Angeles 
by the Americans, was waged not far from the original mission site 
on January 8, 1847. The Californians spent ten days in their march 
against the American forces. They finally came near to the San 
Gabriel river just north of the place where the Santa Fe railroad to 
Orange bridges the stream. At this remarkable place, which is 
located about ten miles southeast of Los Angeles, the famous battle 
of San Gabriel was fought. 

The Californians had gathered all their forces, which consisted 
of 500 mounted men, with four pieces of artillery. They took the 
most advantageous position on high ground about a quarter of a 
mile from the river. The Americans sent forward their artillery 
and were about to cross the river under the leadership of Kearney 
and Stockton. The Californians fought manfully and for some time 
successfully prevented the crossing, but finally they retreated. This 
action lasted but an hour and a half, resulting in two killed, eight 
wounded on the American side, and about a similar loss among the 
Californians. 

With this battle was ended the period of turl)ulence and tur- 
moils. Los Angeles was saved to the Americans and a new period 
of industry and prosperity was made possible. Of this ]n'osperity 
our next shall deal. 



*They found it almost impossible to piiniRh the rebellions Indians, who 
suddenly and unexpectedly destroyed these missions; so they had to be satis- 
fied with ransoming the captives, burying the torn and tortured victims as 
fast as they could, and return to their ordinary posts. 

*In 1811 and for some years after there was in San Gabriel a constant 
alarm on account of the Indians who repeatedly came from abroad, spreading 
in the neighboring ranches panic and desolation. Yet those rebellious savages 
never dared to attack the mission or .ts adjoining buildings and property. I 
have been unable to find any trace in the books, manuscripts and other docu- 
ments of the mission, concerning the famous neophyte conspiracy designed by 
an Indian woman in October, 1785. 



Page Eighty 



CHAPTER XIX 

Late Gro\x^th and Restoration 

After the dreary and disastrous days of secularization, and after 
this beautiful territory came into the possession of the United States, 
a new era of moral and temporal prosperity began. 

The beginning of this new era was marked by the establish- 
ment and consolidation of the regular and ordinary ecclesiastic 
hierarchy and discipline. Under this management, instead of one 
Bishop at the head of the ecclesiavstic^l affairs in California, there 
very soon came to be such a rapid spread of missionary activity 
that a metropolitan See was established in San Francisco, with its 
efificient number of sutfragan Bishoprics. Among the worthy 
Bishops, the memory of whom still lingers in the minds of the 
present generation, are found such names as Garcia Diego, Alemany, 
Amat, Mora and Montgomery. The annals of the Catholic Church 
in California are full of their attainments and faithful service in 
the cause of God's religion. 

The greed for gold in California in 1840 caused a mighty emi- 
gration westward and new blood was introduced into the state. 
AVitli these people came, in addition to a greed for gold, a spirit of 
enterprise which introduced a revival of activity in various pursuits. 

Gold not being found on every hand, many earnest and ener- 
getic people, not realizing their hopes in sudden riches and having 
spent their accumulated means, but finding a delightful climate, 
sought a livelihood in tilling the soil. Thus thousands of acres 
were quickly put under profitable cultivation. Naturally the richest 
spots were sought for tillage, while the less fertile valleys and plains 
Avere laid out in great ranches for grazing. It is in the midst o^ 
these fertile areas that the missions rapidly flourished and gloriously 
triumphed. 

From these considerations, there may occur to some a question 
as to why these missions during the years of prosperity have so long 
lain in waste and ruin. It must not be forgotten that, in order to 
rebuild these missions, it was necessary to reclaim them by proper 
procedures. These proceedings were hindered on every hand by 
designing men, and thus the day of justice and return of the prop- 
erties was long delayed. 

While lawful ownership was in question in the courts, open 
rapine and pillage continued, until, when the properties were re- 
turned, they were but a pile of ruins. In these trials, besides the 
vexation and anxiety, many millions of dollars were sacrificed and 
heavy indebtedness was entailed upon the properties. 

For all these reasons the rebuilding of the missions has been 
very slow. Like the children of Israel rebuilding the walls of 

Page Eighty -one 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 



Jerusalem, having the sword in one hand and the trowel in the other, 
the Bishops, while re-establishing and founding new churches, re- 
sponding to the needs of the time, were obliged to contend in law 
against the unjust possessors of the missions' property. 

As the agricultural districts enlarged and towns rapidly grew 
to cities, and communities to towns and villages, new churches, new 
schools and new hospitals became a necessity. This entailed great 
expense and time and labor on the part of the Dioceses, hence very 
little lime and means were left for rebuilding the ruined missions. 
Yet with this little time and means the best possible was done. 

In reference to San Gabriel, once the pride of the missions, in 
the continuation of the present work it is devoutly hoped and ex- 
pected that it shall not only regain its pristine glory, but become 
the pride of the state, as well as the most interesting, ancient and 
valuable attraction of the tourist. 

So valuable from time to time have been the efforts of each 
secular priest in attempting to restore some part of the mission, that 
a just tribute to their honor must be found in at least cataloguing 
their names here. 

The fol]()\\'iiig gives file date of entrance upon service: 

1851 Father H. T. Lempfrit. 

1852 Father Pablo Jordan (pah-bloh hohr-dahng). 
1852 Father Pedro Bagaria (pay-droh bah-gah-riah). 

1855 Father Anacleto Lestrada (ah-uah-clay-toh lays-trah-dah). 

1855 Father Jayme Vila (Hah-ee-may Vee-lah). 

1856 Father Benito Capdevila (Bay-nee-toh Kahp-day-vee-lah). 

1857 Father J. Rogal (Roh-gahl). 

1858 Father Domingo Serrano fDoh-meeng-goh Say-rrah-noh). 
1850 Father Juan Basso (Hoo-ahng Bah-ssoh). 

1860 Father Angel Molino (Ahng-hayl IMoh-lee-noh). 

1861 Father Angel Delfino Casanova (dayl-fee-noh kah-ssah-iioh- 
bah.) 

1861 Father Sebastian lo-nacio Gallo (say-bahs-tee-ahng eeg-nah- 
thioh gah-lyoh). 

1861 Father M. Duran (Doo-rahng). 

1862 Father Cipriano Rubio (Thee-pree-ah-noh Roo-bee-oh). 

1863 Father Vicente Riera (Vee-cayng-tay Ree-ay-rah). 

1868 Father Pedro Verdaguer (Pay-droh Vair-dah-gair). 
Father Joseph Mut. 

1864 Father Pedro Sastre (Pay-droh Sahs-tray). 

1869 Father Thomas 0. Donah oe. 

1870 Father Joaquin Bot (Hoh-ah-keeng Boht). 

1871 Father P. Farrelly. 
1875 Father Joseph McNamee. 
1887 Father B. Smith. 

Page Eighty-two 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

1888 Father C. Seannell. 

1890 Father Joaquin Bot. 

1903 Father Henry S. O'Reilly. 

1906 Father P. M. Bannon. 

1908 Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Among the best known and popular pastors were Father Cipri- 
ano Rubio, who died several years ago, chaplain at the Immaculate 
Heart Convent, Los Angeles. He was a man of more than ordi- 
narily high intellect, deep spiritual nature, wise in counsel and most 
patient in service. 

Then follow^s Father Pedro Verdaguer, now Bishop, the Vicar 
Apostolic at Brownsville, Texas. This missionary, who came to this 
country in the early days, on account of his exceptional talent in 
government, was appointed pastor of the old Plaza Church in Los 
Angeles, California, a most important parish in its day. From 
this place he was promoted to the episcopate when the vicariate 
apostolic of Brownsville, Texas, was vacant. In this responsible 
position and most valuable community he is unselfishly and faith- 
fully serving. 

Father Joaquin Bot was noted for his generosity in the sub- 
stantial support he gave to the mission parish and also for his very 
genial nature in his exceptionally long pastorate. 

The last secular priest in charge of the mission was the pious, 
self-sacrificing Father P. M. Bannon, who died in Los Angeles, in 
November, 1907. During his illness, the mission was under the care 
of Rev. Father Wm. Power. 

After the death of the late Father Bannon, the mission was 
placed under the guardianship of the Congregation of the Mission- 
ary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A brief review of this 
Congregation will be the content of our next chapter. 



Page Eighty -three 




VENERABLE ANTHONY MARY CLARET, FOUNDER OF THE CONGREGA- 
TION OF THE MISSIONARY SONS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART 

OF MARY. 

His Mind Ever Shone With One Idea and His Heart Was Always Possessed by 

One Sentiment — "The Charity of Christ Presseth Us." 



CHAPTER XX 

The Sons of the Immaculate Heart of 
Mary in San Gabriel 

In this crowning chapter of the history of San Gabriel, we shall 
summarily state the origin, development, object and purpose of this 
illustrious Congregation now in charge of the work. 

The earnest desires of the Right Rev. Thomas J. Conaty. D. D., 
in having these missionaries in his vast Diocese were gratified by 
the efforts of the Very Rev. Pr. Raymond Pratt, C. M. P.. Provincial 
Superior, supplemented by the faithful labors of the Rev. Barnabas 
Marinas. ('. M. P.. Rector of the St. Ferdinand's Cathedral. San 
Antonio, Texas. 

These missionaries Avere temporarily placed in the San Fer- 
nando ]\rission in April. 1907, and were at length installed in San 
Gabriel, February, 1908. 

The enormous expenditure of time and money for the better- 
ment of the mission speaks very favorably, and the work accom- 
plished stands forth as a living witness to their sacrificing zeal and 
efficiency. 

Touching this matter the Very Rev. Pr. Raymond Pratt, C. M. 
P., expressed himself during an interview in these words: "Our 
constant aim shall be not to destroy or to change in the least these 
precious monuments of old, but to keep them, to preserve them and 
to improve them. 

"We shall endeavor to collect the scattered and long-neglected 
relics, and install and display them to the best advantage possible. 

"It is our wish that the old mission house, a relic and a treasure 
within itself, shall come to be the museum of all else. In this way 
old vestments, books and records, tools and other relics, heretofore 
unknown simply because they were unseen, will be open to the pleas- 
ure and inspection of the visitors." 

All these will certainly add to the splendor of the Institute of 
the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

This Religious Congregation was founded in Spain liy the 
Venerable Father Anthony Mary Claret. Archbishop of Santiago de 
Cuba and Confessor of Her Majesty, the Queen of Spain. Isabella 
II, on July 16, 1849. This Institute was approved by His Holiness. 
Pius IX, on the occasion of the ecumenical Council of Vatican at 
v/hich the Venerable Founder assisted. It is well to note that 
Father Claret was the first Venerable of that ecumenical Council. 

This Congregation, like a rapidly growing tree, has spread its 
salutary branches in every direction through the Americas, South- 

Page Eighty-five 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

ern Europe nud in the dark continent of Africa. In its glorious 
roll are noted not only faithful laborers, eonfessors of the faith, 
but even martyrs. It counts among its numbers different Provinces, 
Novitiates, Vicariates and Prefectures Apostolic, minor and superior 
colleges, etc. 

The Venerable Claret, the founder of this Institute, has already 
passed through different processes in the case (cause) of his beatifi- 
cation and so successfully has the work been carried on that we 
may see at no distant day his glorification in the catalogue of the 
saints.* 

The missionary spirit of this Founder, the Apostle of the XIX 
Century, is readily recognized in his children, the Sons of the Im- 
maculate Heart of Mary. From these considerations it legitimately 
follows that our aim and purpose, as well as that of this Congrega- 
tion, is in harmony with the motto of Pius X to restore everything 
in Christ. 

These missionaries, while constantly engaged in the betterment 
and improvement of this precious historical landmark, are contin- 
ually mindful of the intellectual and moral upbuilding of this Com- 
munity confided to their paternal care.** 

In this way they follow in the footsteps of the old self-sacrific- 
ing pioneer Padres, who so faithfully and constantly labored among 
these people in this marvel of usefulness, the pride of her Sisters, 
the San Gabriel Mission. 



*A strenuous work is being shown ])y tiie zealous promoters of Father 
Claret's cause of beatification and by all the admirers and clients of the 
Servant of God. All this endeavor is directed to hasten the supreme ecclesias- 
tical tribunals to bring to an end the process of miracles of the Servant of 
God, which will point to the nearby and happy day of the Venerable Father 
Claret's glorification. 

**The Community of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of 
Mary at San Gabriel is composed at present of eight members, the Rev. Fathei' 
A. Resa, C. M. F., Superior of the Community and Rector of the Mission; the 
Rev. Father Eustace Flamenco, C. M. F., the Mission Administrator; the Rev. 
Father Andres A. Cervera, C. M. F., the Curator of the Museum; Father 
Eugene Sugranes, C. M. F., Secretary; Rev. Father Dominic Zaldivar, V.. M. F., 
Librarian; Rev. Father Andrew Moreno, C. M. F., Superintendent of Grounds; 
Brother Joaquin Uriz, C. M. F., and Brother Elias Ballonga, C M. F., l)oth of 
whom are in charge of the different departments of the house. 



page Eighty-six 



CHAPTER XXI 

The Art, Antiquity and Architecture of 
San Gabriel Mission 

The most noteworthy and impressive testimony of the glories 
of the old San Gabriel Mission are perhaps the venerable and mas- 
sive structures of the Mission church with its adjoining apartments, 
Avhere its most antique and valued relics are exhibited. 

A few years after the founding of the mission near the Rio 
Temblores, as stated herein before, the temporary buildings were 
transferred to the present site. 

It was in the latter place then that the more prominent work 
was begun. The first of these structures was the Mission church 
dedicated to San Gabriel the Archangel. This church, begun in 
the last decade of the eighteenth century, was completed in the 
early part of the nineteenth century. 

The dimensions of this structure are 140 feet long, 27 wide, and 
.'^0 feet high. The main walls, six feet thick, are made of stone 
masonry to the windows, and from here up the structures are of 
brick. The accessory walls are built in a similar manner and of 
like material, though they are not so thick. The main front 
finishes with a gable, having on either side a strong leaning sup- 
port or buttress (machon) after the style of a lombard sash or belt. 
On the southeast corner there formerly arose a strong tower which 
was destroyed by an earthquake on Decemlier 8. 1812. Of this 
tower there remains only the supporting column or springer of one 
arch. 

On the inside, there remain of the original edifice tlie very 
strong pilasters or square columns after the toscan style, which 
indicate that the original roof was an arched one and the arches 
were band or sash arches (fajones, fah-hoh-nays). To correspond 
with these interior columns there are buttresses on the outside that 
are crowned with pretty merlons, which give to the whole build- 
ing a fantastic appearance and the air of a fortress. 

The original roof, destroyed by the earthquake of 1812. was 
i-eplaced by another made of tiling, supported by crossed beams 
shod with heavy cedar shoes or blocks, as may be seen in the choir 
gallery. So beautiful and harmonious must have been the original 
covering that it seems a great pity that the present ceiling, so out 
of harmony with the general appearance, has taken its place. 

It is common to attribute to the mission the moorish style, but 
this perhaps is without good foundation. The missionaries and pio- 
neer Fathers, not lacking harmony with the style of their epoch 
and having been reared close to the Moorish castles in Spain, or 

Page Eighty -seven 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

close to more massive Romanic structures dedicated to Mary, they 
either unconsciously or purposely stamped these missions with some 
lasting seal of their early impressions ; or perhaps on their return 
from among the savages, they desired to breathe some air of their 
fatherland and thus imprinted upon the keystone of the main en- 
trance the star symbol of Mary, or in the highest point of the exte- 
rior buttresses they imitated the merlons of the battlements of the 
muzarabic monuments. All these, however, were placed without 
departing from the general lines of the style of their epoch, which 
was that of the renaissance in a popular form which we might term 
Franciscan. 

THE BAPTISTRY 

One of the most interesting places worthy the visitor's notice is 
the Baptistry, located on the Epistle side in front of the main side 
entrance. Over its massive walls, rests a pretty dome or cupola 
called media naranja (may-dee-ah nah-rahng-hah) (half an orange). 

In the middle of this room arises a square base of solid masonry 
upon which rests the Baptismal Pont. This font is made of ham- 
mered copper, the work having been done by the Indians. The 
original pouring vessel, in the form of a shell made of silver, is still 
kept. This pouring vessel together with the holy oil stock, cencer, 
holy water pot with sprinkler and a case for the altar breads were 
made of silver. They are found in the first mission inventory of 
December, 1773. 

THE ALTAR 

The retablo of the main altar divided into sections, exhibits 
somewhat the churrigueresco (choo-rree-gay-rays-koh) style used 
towards the end of the eighteenth century.* 

In this case good taste is shown in that it harmonizes more 
nearly with the rest of the mission. 

The retablo and the statues carved, stuccoed and painted, typi- 
cal of the popular culture and art in Spain at that time, mark them 
decidedly older than the church building. The statues occur in 
the following order: On the right St. Joaquin and St. Francis of 
Assisi, on the left St. Anthony and St. Dominic, and in the center 
above the Archangel St. Gabriel and in the chief place, as the Queen, 
the statue of the Immaculate Conception, This last one on account 
of its delicate execution, its realism in the deep feelings it breathes, 
stands forth as a product of the early eighteenth century. 

The frontal or altar hanging of this altar, follows the old Span- 
ish custom in the seventeenth century; accordingly the frontal was 
made so as to receive a framework gilded and ornamented within, 
on which was placed and displayed fine embroidered and orna- 



*This style which was in vogue mostly in Spain cluriug the eighteenth 
oentury, marks a noticeable deviation from the genuine artistic taste, and it is 
remarkable for its extravagant and senseless profusion of adorning and oiiia- 
ments. 

Page Eighty-nine 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

merited silk tapestry of various colors. These colors were in such 
number as to meet the requirements of various days and ceremonies. 

PAINTINGS 

In addition to the paintings representing the Blessed Virgin 
and St. Gabriel placed on the walls of the sanctuary, upon the main 
walls of the church the following paintings appear. 

Beginning with the Gospel side we have : San Pedro (sahng 
pay-droh), St. Peter; San Juan (sahng hoo-ahng), St. John; San 
Andres (sahng ahng-drays), St. Andrew; Santo Tomas (sahng-toh 
toh-mahs), St. Thomas; San Mateo (sahng mah-tay-oh), St. Mat- 
thew; San Simon (sahng see-mohng), St. Simon; San Lucas (sahng 
loo-kahs), St. Luke; San Marcos (sahng mahr-kohs), St. Mark. 
And on the Epistle side there are arranged: San Pablo (sahng 
pah-bloh), St. Paul; Santiago el Menor (sahng-teeah-goh ayl may- 
nohr), St. James the Lesser; San Felipe (sahng fay-lee-pay), St. 
Philip; San Bartolome (sahng bahr-toh-loh-may), St. Bartholomew; 
Santiago el Mayor (sahng-tee-ah-goh ayl mah-ee-ohr) St. James the 
Greater; San Tadeo (sahng tah-day-oh), St. Thaddeus; San Ber- 
nabe (sahng bair-nay-bay), St. Barnabas. 

Unfortunately audacious and profane hands, under the pre- 
text of preserving these paintings, robbed them of their original 
brilliancy and primitive color, thus depriving them of their original 
lifelikeness. 

There is also the famous symbolical painting representing the 
most Holy Trinity by the noted author Lucas Mena (loo-kahs may- 
nah). 

All these paintings came from Spain. 

THE SACRISTY 

This of all the buildings is the best preserved. On the right 
of the main altar is the entrance to this room, which is a reliquary 
of antiquities and was respected even by the earthquake of 1812. 
The roof is the original one. The arched roof called cannon has no 
mouldings or frescoed base save the simple listel which divides tlie 
arch from the walls. 

In the primitive cajoneras (kah-hoh-nay-rahs) (chest of 
drawers), the old precious ornaments, imported from Spain by the 
Franciscan Fathers, are found here preserved entire. Among these 
there is found a collection of pretty copes, canopies, chasubles madt^ 
of silk tissue, embroidered velvet cloth, silver, etc. 

There are also a tankard made of cop])cr with its bowl for the 
washing of the hands of the priest, a holy .Avater vessel with its 
sprinkler made of silver, various candlesticks and two processional 
crosses which were carried by the missionaries in their excursions 
among the Indians. All of these also api)ear \u the first mission 
inventory. 

Concerning the statuary, there is to l)e found in the church an 

Page Ninety 




OLD MISSION DOORS. 
These Massive Doors Were Entirely "Open Only in Token of Rejoicing on Great 

Feast Days. 



old life-sized cnieifix called "Santo Cristo de Majnsqui" (sahng- 
toli krees-toh day niah-hoos-kee), and another smaller one is placed 
on the main altar. 

Finally here also occurs a lifesized carved image of San Buena- 
ventura and another one of St. Joseph, dressed according to the 
European custom. 

Here are also preserved for the museum, two small silver 
statues of Santiago and Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza 
(noo-ays-tray say-nyoh-rah dayl pee-lahr day thah-rah-goh-thah) of 
the seventeenth century, as well as various votive offerings made of 
silver and other metals. 

Above the exit which leads to the "camino real" (kah-mee-noh 
rray-ahl), the king's highway, there is a most original painting 
representing the inferno with its reprobate inmates keenly and 
variously tormented. 

Several years ago, as any one may notice, the plain square 
windows of the church Avhich marked the typical Franciscan style, 
were enlarged by hands lacking in taste. Thus the whole edifice 
was robbed of that plain, severe, yet beautiful air which gave to 
the whole the odd, fantastic appearance of a fortification. 



Page Ninety-one 



CHAPTER XXII 

The Art, Antiquity and Architecture of 
San Gabriel Mission — Concluded 

THE MUSEUM 

The old mission house is to be converted into a niuseuni. I'pon 
entering this historical building there may t>e seen tbc room in 
which is located the old library. This library is a typographical 
gallery and a living history of the many vicissitudes of the print- 
ing press during the past centuries. 

These books brought from Spain by the Fathers were the con- 
stant companions of the missionaries and the witnesses of their 
excursions and heroic deeds. 

The most antique work is the Summa Alex. Ales, year 1489, 
which saw the early days of the printing press. Then follow in 
age the Philosophy of Gabriel Biel, year 1501. and the works of el 
Tostado Obispo de Avila (avl-tohs-tah-doh oh-])ees-poh day ah-vee- 
lah), Spain. 1527. 

There are three volumes of the Summa Theologica of St. 
Thomas Aquinas, 1534 and 1535. All of these thus far enumerated 
were printed in the primitive gothic German characters. The work 
of San Fulgencio de Ruspe shows us the first attempts by the famous 
Belgium house (Cristof. Plantin) at making the French italic char- 
acters while a dozen various works of the sixteenth century evidence 
the domain of the character called the round italic used in Spain. 
France, Belgium, and Italy. 

There are to be found, among all these works, several incuna- 
bula of sacred music printed in Salamanca (sah-lah-mahng-ka). 
Spain, in the same century. While these volumes are of great inter- 
est, yet even greater attractiveness and curiosity is aroused by the old 
records and other documents made by the founders of the mission 
in which there is to be seen the handwriting and signature of the 
president and founder of the California Missions, the venerable 
Father Junipero Serra. San Gabriel Mission can legitimately be 
proud of having all of the records from the very date of its foun- 
dation. 

There are also exhibited in the mission library beautiful models 
of round characters in diflferent parchments of the fourteenth and 
fifteenth centuries and other handwritings of the sixteenth, seven- 
teenth and eighteenth centuries, and one map of the Holy Land 
drawn in 1705. 

PAINTINGS 

It being the purpose of this chapter to give merely an historical 
account we shall not offer a criticism on these paintings but simply 
put forth the argument of the principal ones. 

Page Ninety-three 




THE ANGELUS BELL. 

Thus Called Because Its Silver Tongue Summons the Faithful Three Times a Day 

— Morning. Noon and Evening — to Greet Her After Whom the Great 

Metropolis of the Southwest Is Named. 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

They, being of Spanish art and origin, represent largely scrip- 
tural texts and subjects. Among others there are the Queen Esther, 
Bethsabee Leaving the Bath, Salome Carrying the Head of St. John 
the Baptist, and the ]\Iassacre of the Innocents, noted for its fresh- 
ness and expression in harmony with the delicacy of its execution. 

Notable for their antiquity are the paintings representing St. 
Paul bitten by the serpent on the island of Malta, the dream of Saint 
Joseph, his spousals, etc. Here is to be seen also a byzantine copy 
of a Madonna of the seventeenth century. 

There are copies of St. Francis, the Immaculate Conception and 
of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, all by Murillo (moo-reel-lioh). 
A painting representing St. Mary Magdalen, attributed to Correggio, 
attracts special attention because of its expression and delicately 
executed work. 

From Italian artists there are exhibited in this gallery copies 
reproduced on copper, as for instance the Madonna called of the 
"Grand Duke," by Raphael, the Madonna and the Child by Sarto, 
and others, left to the study and curiosity of the visitors. 

Painted on wood and of Mexican origin, there are four beauti- 
ful pieces representing as many apparitions of the Blessed Virgin of 
Guadalupe (Goo-ah-dah-loo-pay) . 

There are kept as historical mementoes of the mission, an old 
anchor belonging to one of the first ships arriving in California from 
Spain, the primitive and Vv^ell made doors of the Mission church 
artistically finished with large copper nails, two old style pivoted 
hinges on which these massive doors swung, the first confessional 
box used by the Fathers, other objects of Roman-Spanish art of the 
first centuries of Christianity, still other articles of Spanish-Arabic 
art, and yet some of old Indian craft and finally the old gigantic rose 
vine noted for its ever-blooming, fragrant, snow-white mantle which 
saw the days of the old pioneer Padres. One of the most striking 
features of the museum is a rare and genuine collection of various 
mortars, pestles, grinders, mealing stones, tools, arrowheads, baskets, 
beads, tomahawks, vestments, etc. 

THE BELFRY 

This with its plain yet serviceable structure reminds one of the 
old popular Franciscan style. 

The fame of the San Gabriel Campanile with its historical bells, 
is world wide and has attracted tourists from far and near. The 
same bells vrhose melodious peals called and summoned the savages 
from their native haunts to this more blessed spot of salvation and 
civilization have given inspiration to the poets rhyme and the story- 
maker's tale.* 



*When the celebrated San Gabriel chimes send forth their melodious 
argentine voices, sweet remembrances and comforting thoughts come to the 
pious mind: 

''0 solemn bells! whose consecrated masses 

Recall the faith of old; 

O tinkling bells! that lulled with twilight music, 

The spiritual fold." —Bret Harfe. 

Page Ninety-five 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

The largest bell, called the Angelus and rung three times i\ day. 
gives forth the most clear and sweet sound. Originally there were 
six bnt now only four remain. The date, author, name and inscrip- 
tions are as follows: 

FIRST BELL 

AVE. MARIA SANTISSLAIA. 

S. FRAN. 

I)E PAVLA RVELAS. 

MF. FE( TT 

N. ("0. 

SECOND BELL 

CAST BY G. II. IlOLliHOOK. 
IMEDWAY. IMASS., 

1828. 

THIRD BELL 

AVE. MARIA 

S. JVAN NEPOMVCEXO 

RVELAS ME FE(MT 

A. D. '95. 

FOURTH BELL 

FECIT BF:NITVS a' HKOIHVS 
A. D. 1880. 



THE OVENS 

One hundred feet to the rear of the church in the garden, may 
be seen the ruins of the old bake ovens, where the Indians, trained 
by the Fathers, baked bread for the community, burnt brick for 
the buildings and made soap. There can be seen the furnaces for 
the caldrons. 

THE NEW CHAPEL 

Making a right angle with the old Mission church from the 
sacristy, a new chapel has been built by the ^Missionary Sons of the 
Immaculate Heart of Mary, now in charge of the mission. 

This tall, frame structure, plastered on the outside, in style 
imitates the old Mission church externally while the inside is a 
graphic reminder of the chapel of the historically famous convent 
of the Rabida (rrah-bee-dah) in Spain. This convent was the first 
to open its wide portals to the great discoverer of America and to 
offer support to him in the person of its illustrious abbot. Fray 
Juan Perez de Marchena (frah-ee hoo-ahng pay-rayth day mahr- 
chay-nah).* 



*Visitors are taken tliroiiKli the niissiou .•ind kiinlly tMilertaiiied l)y the 
faithful and intelligent onide, Mr. (iahiiel (^niroz. 

Page Ninety-six 



CHAPTER XXIII 

San Gabriel in the T\x^entieth Century 

It is a remarkable fact which cannot be successfully contro- 
verted that San Gabriel in these modern days is the great central 
attraction for tourists and lovers of our landmarks. 

Here we see the venerable walls of the San Gabriel with the 
religious traditions of old California going hand in hand with the 
most modern equipments and aggressive methods of work. 

This peerless landmark, a museum in itself, stands forth as a 
silent, yet eloquent testimony, a living witness to the old marvels 
done by the pioneer Padres. Yet at the same time we have the 
pleasure of contemplating here the wonderful improvements of our 
modern inventions. The electric lines, most thoroughly equipped 
for rapid transit, pass around its sacred edifices as though paying 
the tribute of honor and admiration. The solitude of this sacred 
spot is often disturbed by the thundering steed of the giant of 
modern times, the locomotive, which proudly leads the train of 
human freight to the Pacific Slopes; thus giving the tourists the 
opportunity of greeting this mission and the work accomplished by 
past civilizations. 

In the many beautiful and comfortable homes surrounding the 
mission are found all the conveniences of modern life. 

In its many extensive orchards, fertile gardens, blooming ter- 
races and laden vineyards, with its modern machinery, implements 
and methods of agriculture, this mission combines the highest con- 
ceptions of civilization with the uniqueness of its past history. All 
these features combined with the surrounding hills and snow-capped 
mountains, afford a grandeur unsurpassed in all the country around 
and in all the world a place most unique. The first mission orange 
grove still bears its delicious fruit and testifies of its ancient glory. 

In addition to these, San Gabriel has a feature peculiar to itself. 
It stands unique among all the missions of California. Go any- 
where over this Golden State, even among the missions, and you 
will find the old customs exchanged for modern ones. It has never 
been, it is not, and we dare to say that it will never be so Avith 
San Gabriel. While welcoming whatever means progress and im- 
provement, it will unhesitatingly rebuke any attempt to change the 
old pueblo with its typical customs. Here in this place must remain 
the old adobe huts, the old-fashioned people with their antique 
ways. I venture to say that even the Americans and Europeans 
settling here become so identified with the spirit of the place that 
their anxiety is to keep alive the old traditions. The melodious 
songs of the mission, the old, popular Indian airs, sports, amuse- 
ments, etc., must forever remain a most attractive feature. 

Page Ninety-seven 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Within the sHcrecl inures of the church, the harmonious accents 
and sweet cadence of the language of Cervantes still thrill the 
hearts of the faithful. While our official tongue, the language of 
Shakespeare, is used in the church services, yet the old pious Donas 
(doh-nyahs) have to say their prayers and recite their beads in the 
rhythmical kSpanish language. Even the children, while reared and 
educated after our wonderful American system, when at play mus1 
use the tongue of the pioneer missionaries that first scattered the 
blessed seed of Christian civilization. 

Any visitor at Corpus Day may see the solemn procession of 
old, with its typical songs and the Holy Eucharist carried along 
amidst clouds of incense and flowers, escorted by hundreds of 
pueblanos and rancheros, carrying lighted tapers. This imposing 
line stops at the temporary altars or ermitas (air-mee-tahs), as it 
used to do in the centuries past. The melodious, angelical saluta- 
tion, the Dios te salve, so many times sung around the old Plaza 
church in the City of Angels, is still heard in this, our mission, 
especially when the Angelus bell summons the faithful to greet the 
Mother of God. 

Such is San Gabriel in the midst of modern environments. 
Thus while anxious to keep alive the typical physiognomy of the 
mission, the watchful Fathers in charge of it are wide awake to the 
necessities of modern times. Hence the work of restoration in the 
mission, the bettering of its grounds, the beautifying of the old 
cemetery, the renewing of the old ovens, living witnesses to the 
culture and industrial sentiment of the Fathers, all these improve- 
ments go hand in hand with the moral upbuilding of this growing 
community. 

We know from history that this mission had a school at the 
beginning of the last century. Now the sturdy missionaries in 
charge of the mission, assisted by the untiring efforts of the pioneers 
of this place, are working hard that they may have, in the near 
future, another nucleus of moral and mental formation. 

As the closing words of this last chapter wc cannot refrain 
turning our attention to the perennial source of sentiment and the 
abundant fount of insi)iration, the San Gabriel Mission bells. In 
these Grace Winkln- Couiid hei- ha]ipy inspiratiou. as appears in the 
following lines : 



SAN GABRIEL MISSION BELLS 

mission bells, sweet mission bells. 
Fantastic tales thy chiming tells 
Of hooded monks with stately tread. 
Of dreams long past, and loves long dead. 
Of hopes decayed, of funeral knells. 
O mission bells, sweet mission bells ! 

Page Ninety-nine 



MISSION SAN GABRIEL 

Methinks I see at break of day 
The Spaniard brave in trappings gay. 
Bow down where perfumed censers swing. 
Where dark-robed priest and laymen sing ; 
His voice with thine in praise upwells, 
mission bells, sweet mission bells! 

In those far days thine echoes pealed 
To warn the toiler in the field 
To flee for shelter 'neath thy wall. 
Safe from the deadly arrows' fall; 
mission bells, sweet mission bells. 
On memory's ear thy cadence dwells. 

— (Adapted from lines by Grace Winkler.) 



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Page One Hundred 



APPENDIX 



SAN GABRIEL'S UNFADING 

BOUQUET OF IMMORTELLES 

NAMES OF THE CITY OF LOS 

ANGELES 

Pueblo de la Reyna de los Ange- 
les de Porciiinciila. (Town of our 
Lady of Angels of Porciuncula.) 

Pueblo de la Porciuncula. (Town 
I if Porciuncula.) 

Pueblo de la Reyna de los An- 
geles. (Town of the Queen of 
.\ngels.) 

Pueblo de Nuestra Senora de Los 
Angeles. (Town of Our Lady of 
Angels.) 

Pueblo de los Angeles. (Town 
of Angels.) 

Pueblo de Maria Santisima de los 
.\ngeles. (Town of the Most Holy 
Marv of Angels.) 

Ef Pueblo. (The Town.) 

El Pueblo de Razon. (The Town 
of Razon or the town of intelligent 
people.) 

El Pueblo de Santa Maria de los 
Angeles. (Town of Holy Mary of 
Angels.) 

La Porciuncula. (The Porciun- 
cula.) 

Pueblo de Nuestra Senora de Los 
Angeles de Porciuncula. (Town of 
Our Lady of Angels of Porciuncula. 
Thus called or named by Father 
Palou.) 

Father .Tunipero Serra in 1783. 
October 30th, called Los Angeles, La 
Porciuncula. 

SOME DISTINGUISHED PIONEER 

CITY OFFICIALS IN 

LOS ANGELES 

Don .loaquiii Higuera. Alcalde 
(Mayor) of Los Angeles in 1800. 

Don Francisco Xavier Alvarado, 
cabo (corporal) in charge of the 
Pueblo de Los Angeles in 1797. 

Don .Tuan de Ortega. Sargento dis 
tinguido de la Compania del Presidio 
de Santa Barbara y .Tuez comision 
ado del Pueblo de los Angeles in 
1812. (Distinguished sergeant of 
the company of the Presidio of San- 
ta Barbara and Judge having juris- 
diction over the Pueblo of Angels 
in 1812.) 

Guillermo Cota. sargento comision- 
ndo del Pueblo de loa Angeles. 



Anastasio Carrillo, sargento conii 
sionado del Pueblo de los Angeles in 
1821. 

Vicente Felix, cabo (corporal) of 
the Pueblo in 1791. 

Martin Reyes, soldado (soldier) of 
Los Angeles in 1791. 

Don Jose Polanco, Alcalde (mayor) 
of Los Angeles in 1812. 

POBLADORES (FOUNDERS) OF 
LOS ANGELES. 

Antonio Villavieencio and Maria 
de los Santos. 

Antonio Villavicioso. 

BasUio Antonio Rosa*; and Man- 
uela Hernandez. 

Felipe Garcia and Petra de Al- 
cantara. 

Francisco Villavieencio. 

Jose Alejandro Rosas and .Tnana 
Maria Rodriguez. 

Juan Antonio Mesa. 

.lose Antonio Navarro and Regiiia 
Dortea Rodriguez. 

•lose Moreno and Maria Guadalupe 
Perez. 

.lose Francisco Sinova. 

Jose Vanegas and Maria Maxima 
Aguilar. 

•lose Villa and Maria Paulina 
Martinez. 

Luis Quinteros. 

Manuel Camero and Maria 'I'oma- 
sa. 

Pablo Rodriguez and Maria Rosa- 
lia Noriega. 

AMERICAN PIONEER NAMES IN 
SAN GABRIEL. 

('hurchman, 1825. 

Hartnell, Henry Williams. 1831. 

Daniel Martin, called the Anglo 
Americano from Boston, 1824. 

Joseph George Rice, a Baptist 
who embraced the Gatholic faith, 
1824. 

Dona Maria de las Nieves Roland 
together with .Andres Pico, brother 
of the governor, stood for an Indian 
child. September 18, 1847. 

Robert .Joseph Caldwell. from 
Boston, received into the Gatholic 
Ghurch, 1829. 

Joseph Chapman, from Boston, 
1829. ■:/.■•:. 

Michael White, Englishman, "Cial- 



Pag« One Hundred-one 



APPENDIX — Continued 



vinist. received into the Catholic 
Church at San Gabriel, 1830. 

Joaquin Bowman, from North 
Carolina, 1831. 

Stephen Eichardson. son of Wil- 
liam Richardson, ?]nglisliman, was 
baptized, 1841. Don Pablo de la 
Portilla, capitan comandante (cap- 
tain commander) at San Diego, 
stood for him. 

Barclay, 1831. 

Monrov, 1836. 

Reid, Hugo Perfecto, 1838. 

Dalton, Perfecto Hugo, from Lon 
don, 49 years old, was baptized in 
San Gabriel, .Inly 31, 1847. Reid 
Hugo stood for him. 

Workman, Margarita. 1848. 

Mueller. 1848. 

.Tackson, 1848. 

Thomson, 1848. 

Wool, 1848. 

ARMY OFFICERS IN SAN GA 
BRIEL. 

Francisco Miguel, fiist corporal, 
1771. 

.lose Maria fiongova. second cor- 
]KiraI. 1772. 

Manuel Rolilcs, third corporal. 
1773. 

.Tuan .lose K'obli's. tOurlh curpo 
ral. 1774. 

(iuillermo ( "aiiillo. littli corporal. 
1775. 

.lose Ignacio ()li\era, si.xth corpo- 
ral, 1777. 

Jose Maria Verdugo, corporal. 
1790. 

Podro Pojlorena, corporal, 1798. 

.\ntonio Pico, sargento (sei'geant). 

Ale.iandro Soto, cabo (cor|)oral). 

Gabriel Moraga, toniente (lieuten- 
ant). 

Hilario Machado, cabo, 1811. 

Ignacio Dolgado, alfere/, (ensign). 

Manuel Macliado. cabo. 18i:*,. 

.Tuan Hautisfa Aharado, calm. 
1808. 

.Tuan Feli/.. cabo, 182.^. 

•Tuan Osuna. caV)o, 1807. 

•Tuan Maria Marron. cabo. 1 si'ii. 

.lose Palomares. sargento. 

.Tose Maria Pico, sargento, 18no. 

.lose Alvarez, cabo, 1822. 

.Tose Maria Ortega, cabo. 

Pedro Lobo, cabo, 1809. 

Pedio CJuerrero, cabo do aitilleria 
(corporal of artillery). 

Raymundo Carrillo, capitan (cap 
tain). 



DISTINGUISHED OFFICIALS DE 
RAZON IN SAN GABRIEL 

Manuel Oroz<'0. sirviente de la es 
colta (muleteer), 1772. 

Cristobal Cardenas, first sirviente 
of the Mission (muleteer), 1772. 

Francisco Bernal, sirviente del 
rey (king's servant), 1774. 

Antonio Planes, Fiscal of the 
Church. 

Antonio Lopez, Sacristan. 

Pablo Vejea, maestro car]:)intero 
(master carpenter) from Tppic, 1796. 

Ignacio Ortega, Mavordomo (man 
ager), 1791. 

Felipe Santiago Moreno, Herrero 
(blacksmith), 1799. 

Miguel Blanco. Asistente of the 
Mission, 1799. 

Claudio liOpez, Mavordomo (man 
ager of the Mission), 1809. 

Nicolas .Marid, Mavordomo, 181."i. 

Domingo Felix, sirviente de la 
mision (assistant to the Mission), 
1 830. 

Francisco Villa, sirviente of the 
Mission, 1830. 

.Tose Antonio Ramirez, Mavordo- 
mo. 

Neiiomuceno Alvarado, iNIayordn 
mo del Rancho de San Bernardinn 
(manager of the ranch of San Ber- 
nardino), 1833. 

Santiago Rubio, sirviente of the 
Mission. 

Don Claudio Lopez, whose grand- 
son, Don Jeronimo Lopez, is a resi- 
dent of San Fernando, was con- 
firmed by Father .Tunipero Serra a1 
San Gabriel. 

NOTED INDIAN OFFICIALS IN 
SAN GABRIEL. 

Agustin. el eiiterniero (male 
nurse). 

.\ndres. inter|ireter. 

Bernardo, sacristan mayor. 

Benito, enfermero. 

Benigno, el rezador (prayer 
leader). 

Benigno, el ciego y rezador (the 
blind and prayer leader). 

Benito, el interjirete. 

Basilea. enferm*'r;i (femaip nurse). 

< 'onr.'ido, enfermero. 

Doroteo. alcalde (mayor) 

Kusebio. sacristan. 

Fortunato, sacristan. 

Fortnnato, alcalde. 

Gasiiar, intei'iireter. 



Page One Hundred-two 



APPENDIX — Continued 



(Irci-orio, captiiiii of (l(>l|ii;it>il 
( 1 IK I ill II lanch). 

lyiiacio, alcalde (mayor). 

Ijj'nario, eiifeniiero (male luiise). 

I^'iiacio, inteipveter. 

Hasilea, enfermera (female nurse). 

.lose Gabriel, eociiiero (eook). 

. 1 11:111, carpintero (carpenter). 

.Iiisto, jabonero (soapmaker). 

• lose, vaquero. 

.lose Manuel, alcalde (mayor). 

Joaquin, the blind, who was the 
l)rayer leader in the ranch of San 
Bernardino. 

Miguel, Indian captain baptized 
in 1804. 

Manuel, alcalde, 1804. 

Maria del Carmen, enfermera (fe- 
male nurse), 180.5. 

Miguel, maestro del telar (master 
of the loom). 

Mauro, enterrador (undertaker). 

Matilde, monja (nun). 

Manuel Antonio, licenciado y neo- 



lilo de esta misioii (lawyer and iieo 
phyte of the Mission. 

Mateo, Indian captain of .\jiibit 
( Indian ranch). 

Pedro Celestino, alcalde (inavoi;, 
1 799. 

Pascual, carpintero (carpenter). 

Pelayo, sacristan. 

Perfecto, sacristan. 

Pascasio, alcalde (mayor). 

Remigio, albanil (mason). 

Santos, cocinero (cook). 

Simon, alcalde (mayor). 

Sonorino, cajitain of Ajuspiabit 
(Indian ranch). 

Santana, costurera (female school 
teacher). 

Saturn i no. alcalde (mayor). 

Serviano Sergio, interpreter. 

Teresa, enfermera (female nurse). 

Tiburcio, interpreter. 

Valerio, enfermero (male nurse). 

Victor, sacristan. 



SOLDIERS IN SAN GABRIEL. 



Antonio Cota. 
Anselmo Romero. 
Antonio Reyes. 
A gust in de Leyba. 
Anastasio Felix. 
Andres Ibarra. 
Bonifacio Estrada. 
Bernardo Heredia. 
Cosme Olivas. 
Crispin Perez. 
<'ayetano Duarte. 
Doroteo Felix. 
Esteban Rocha. 
I'^steban Lopez. 
l<]ugenio Ruiz. 
Fernando Ruelas. 
Pranciseo Bruno. 
Francisco .luarez. 
Francisco Lopez. 
Francisco Ruiz, 
.lose Julian Guerrero, 
.lose .Toaquin Armenta. 
.lose Ontiveros. 
Jose Villa, 
.lose Lobo. 

■lose Maria Samaniego. 
.lose Hermenegildo Bermiidez 
.lose Silva. 
•lose Felix. 

lose Esteban Romero, 
.lose Ramon Noriega, 
.loaquin Blanco, 
.lusto Hernandez. 
Leon Rosas. 
Luis Gonzalez Rubio. 



Francisco de Paula Garcia 
Francisco Villa Gomez. 
Francisco Sotelo. 
Gaspar Valenzuela. 
Gabriel Ibarra. 
Gerardo Pena. 
Gnillermo Soto. 
Ignacio Alvarado. 
Ignacio Lugo. 
Ignacio Valencia, 
fsidoro German. 
Ignacio Cambua. 
Ignacio Ruiz. 
Jeronimo Planes. 
.Toaquin Beltran. 
.Tuan Antonio Rubio. 
.Tuan Andres Montiel. 
.Tuan Antonio Lopez. 
.Tuan Francisco Reyes. 
.Tuan .lose Sepulveda. 



Juan Felix. 

.Tuan Maria Canedo. 

.Tuan Angel Amarillas. 

.Tuan German. 

.Tuan Bermudez. 

Juan Silvas. 

.Tuan .lose Rodriguez. 

.Tuan Pacifico Ontiveros. 

Juan .lose Lobo. 

.Tuan Victoriano Felix. 

.Tuan Olivias. 

.Tuan Alvarez. 

.lose Antonio Rodriguez. 

Jose Maria Aviia. 

.lose Maria Fargas. 

.lose Maria Duarte. 

.lose Maria Ortega. 

.lose Vicente Canedo. 

.Tose Miguel Espinosa. 

.Tose Miguel Flores. 
Manuel Maria de Vargas. 
Maximo Leyba. 
Maximo Valenzuela. 
Mariano Dominguez. 
Mariano Carrillo. 
Mariano Tepis. 
Miguel Varela, 
Martin Reyes. 
Manuel Valenzuela. 
Martin Olivas. 
Macario Castro. 
Mateo Kubio. 
Manuel Perez. 
Manuel Maria V'erdugo. 
Patricio Ontiveros. 



Page One Hundred-three 



APPENDIX — Continued 



Pedro Lisalde. Rafael Villavieencio. Santiago Pieo. 

Pedro Valeiiziiela. Roque Oota. Victorino Felix. 

Pedro Amador. Rosario Aguilar. 

Pedro Castaiieda. Rafael Marques. 

SAN GABRIEL INDIAN RANCHERIAS. 



Ajnii>it. Guibabit. 

Ajuiuga. Guijabepet. 

Acuxabit. Geverobit. 

Acurabit. Guaipet. 

Acuranga. Guachpet. 

Amupubit. Guibanga. 

Atababit. Gorumuga. 

Achochobit. Gonopeapa. 

Amuscopiabit. Guanchia. 

Asuesabit. .Tuiubit. 

Ajuimiabit. Jaibepet. 

Acatabranga. Jaisobit. 

Batequitos. .Tutucabit. 

Bonoquin. Jaisobit. 

(!abuepet. .Tajamobit. 

Chaubit. Japchibit. 

Cacayibit. .layabit. 

Cueamobit. .lajobiabil. 

Cupsabit. .Tautbit. 

Chibanga. .Faibeiiga. 

Comurabit. Juiuuga. 

Comicrabit. Jutucunga. 

Chaguayabit. .Teberobit. 

('hoqiiayabit. Jurupe. 

Coroboiiabit. Junubabit. 

Ooyubit. Jaiocopeabit. 

Guapiabit. Judamobit. 

Guinibit. lulagunot. 

Gebit. Lomquin. 

CHURCH DIGNITARIES AND 
CERS AND STATESMEN 

Besides Father Junipero Serra, the 
following visited San Gabriel: 

Father Ferniin Francisco de Las- 
lien, President of the Missions of 
Alta California, 1791, and other 
times administering Confirmation. 

Father Esteban Tapis, President 
of the California Missions. 

Father Francisco Palou, President 
of the California Missions, in 1773. 

Pedro Fages, Governor of Califor- 
nia, 1773. 

Don Juan Bautista Anza, com- 
mander of the famous expedition 
from Sonora, on March 24, 1774. 

Don Mariano Vidal. the celebrated 
promoter of Anza's expedition, on 
January 15, 1776. 

Don Felipe de Neve, Governor of 
California, on May 8, 1781. 

Don Fernando de Rivera. 

Father Narciso Duran, ('omisario 
Prefecto, on June 4, 1833. 

Governor Pio Pico, on November 
25, 1838. 

Father Francisco Vicente de Sar- j 



Mairobit. Sai)chibit. 

Mamaita. Satucubit. 

Mujimam. Sotaibil. 

Maromabit. Soabit. 

Mapitbit. Sibauga. 

Nosabit. Tobpet. 

iS'aasin. Topisabit. 

Nonobit. Tucubit. 

Najayabit. Totabit. 

Ojubit. Toibepet. 

Pafbcnga. Tochonabit. 

Pimubit. Tibajabit. 

Paparabit. Tusicabit. 

Pububit. Tobanbepef. 

Pimocabit. Tameobit. 

Pajbepet. Tochajana. 

Pomoquiii. Toibina. 

Peotopa. Tobimobit. 

Pimicha. Timijabit. 

Pamaibit. Tobonga. 

Picubit. TobizcangM. 

Piamubif. Taisobit. 

Pabocoya. Tomecupna. 

Pachechero. Tujubit. 

Quisaobit. Uchubit. 

Quinquibit. Utucubit. 

Quinibit. Yabit. 

Sibapet. 
Seobit. 

NOTEWORTHY ARMY OFFI 
AT SAN GABRIEL. 
ria, (,'omisario Prefecto, on July Id, 
1818. 

Father Mariano Payeras, Comisa 
rio Prefecto, August 13, 1821. 

Rt. Rev. Francisco Garcia Diego y 
Moreno, first Bishop of California, 
on March 29, 1843. 

Most Rev. Jose S. Alemany, first 
Archbishop of California, 1851. 

Rt. Rev. Thaddeus Amat, Rt. Rev. 
Francis Mora and Rt. Rev. George 
Montgomery at different times. 

Rev. .Tose]ih Ignacio Maximo Ar- 
guello, son of Ensign Jose Arguello, 
in 1809. This noteworthy priest was 
baptized in San Gabriel by Father 
Miguel Sanchez on .Tune 8, 1782. 
Father Arguello is doubtless the 
first native son of California that 
has ever entered the priesthood. 
San Gabriel is proud in having 
among its distinguished children 
such an illustrious pioneer. 

The first child of Razon (whit« 
child), Antonio Lucas Maria Olivera, 
son of Corporal Olivera, was bap- 
tized on October 18, 1780. 



Page One Hundred-four 




^"JXV^^f^ 



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^ ^^^^^^ /ly^^^^^ 4.£A(.^^c/, ^ 



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LACSIMILE of Father Junipero Serra's handwriting, showing the title-page of the first con- 
* firmation record of Mission San Gabriel. % As His words reveal the lovely charming features of 

the hero saint's heart so the imprints of his chirography show forth the inward lines and the hidden 

characteristic traces of the genius' soul . 



DEC 20 I9C9 



/>y 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



017 169 893 5 



